Having failed to replicate their form from the last season, Chelsea are now struggling to break into the top-4 this season and it is widely believed that Italian mastermind Antonio Conte, who lifted the league title in his first year in England, might not remain at Stamford Bridge, come the start of the new season.
While Chelsea are busy searching for his replacements, they are also keeping an eye on prospective stars, who can help them in the long term. They are scouting for some of the finest talents in the sport and the latest name doing the rounds is James Maddison.
A product of the academy at Coventry City, Maddison has suddenly turned into one of the most wanted players in England for the summer as reports suggest that the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Liverpool and a host of top-flight clubs are interested in his signature.
An attacking midfielder, capable of putting in a shift in a deeper role, the 21-year old has been effective for the Three Lions’ U21 side and has already made 39 Championship appearances and 35 League One appearances, and has established himself as one of the most important players at Carrow Road this season.
Playing in a no.10 role in a 4-2-3-1 system under Daniel Farke, the 21-year-old has been in sizzling form this season, picking up 13 goals and seven assists and has easily been the best player for the Canaries this season.
But with very little chance of promotion, Norwich City are now preparing themselves for losing Maddison this summer but are determined to make as much money as they can.
Reports from the Mirror today claim that the Championship outfit have slapped a £25m price tag on their goalscoring midfielder, which might scare away a few small teams. But Chelsea are reportedly ready to meet his valuation but where will he fit in at Stamford Bridge?
The Blues have the likes of Eden Hazard, Pedro and Willian in their attack but all three of those stars are at their best playing on the flanks leaving Cesc Fabregas as the only player who can play in a natural no.10 role, albeit a makeshift position for him.
Conte’s system does not need a no.10 but Chelsea might have a new boss next season and Maddison can easily be a game changer. At his age, he is only going to get better and is well worth his price tag. But is he the right man for the Blues?
