According to a recent report by Calciomercato, as has been cited by the Daily Star, Premier League high-flyers Chelsea could be forced to get into a transfer duel with Paris Saint-Germain this summer, over the signature of Juventus’ Bosnian international midfield star Miralem Pjanic. The report suggests that the Italian giants are prepared to sell the talented midfielder to clear up some space in the central area.
It’s been suggested that Maurizio Sarri is unhappy with the overcrowded nature of the Juventus midfield and that he sees Pjanic as the dispensable member of that group. The Juventus gaffer has preferred to utilise Rodrigo Bentancur in the Bosnian’s stead all season, with former Arsenal man Aaron Ramsey and Blaise Matuidi continuing as the key members of Sarri’s midfield line. The report claims that the Old Lady are confident that their man will fetch at least £55m. However, PSG have been in the mix a lot longer than Chelsea.
What Makes Pjanic An Attractive Prospect For Chelsea?
The talented Bosnian has always been one of the most highest-rated playmakers in the European game, and his ability to pick out long passes from his usually deep-lying position is the stuff of legend. Adept at popping up in important areas with vital goals, the former Lyon star has been criticised for the lack of form he’s displayed this season. Despite this though, the fact remains that while form is temporary, class is undoubtedly permanent.
Since first breaking into the FC Metz side back in 2007, the midfield technician’s progress has been gradual, yet consistently showed an upward trend. Now one of the most productive playmakers in the whole continent, his addition to this Chelsea midfield would give Frank Lampard more than what he already has in the area. Despite already boasting a variety of options in the role, there’s no denying that the Juventus man has enough quality to singlehandedly take the Blues to the next level.
Pjanic made the switch to Turin from AS Roma in 2016 and has since picked up 22 goals from 167 appearances for the club. Although his scoring record doesn’t look all that great on paper, his contributions to this Juventus team over the last many seasons simply cannot be underplayed. The former Lyon star has even been fortunate enough to win the Serie A title in all three of his full seasons at the Juventus Stadium.
Do Chelsea Need To Go For Pjanic In The Summer?
If there is one position where Frank Lampard is currently spoilt for choice, then it’s in central midfield. In Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic, Ross Barkley, Mason Mount, N’Golo Kante, Billy Gilmour and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Chelsea have what is arguably the strongest group of midfielders in the whole of Europe.
For all the quality that the Bosnian would add in the middle of the park, it must be conceded that Pjanic wouldn’t offer anything fresh to Frank Lampard, as his skill-set is only a subset of all the midfield stars Chelsea currently have on their payroll.
