Chelsea’s post-FFP model of generating revenue by buying young talent and developing them, only to sell them at a profit, has been a source of frustration for many of their academy graduates. Chances of breaking into the first team are next to non-existent with Victor Moses (although not an academy player), the only player in recent memory to beat the vicious loan cycle. The Club’s high ambitions at multiple fronts make it almost impossible for managers to try out academy graduates in high-profile matches with a lot at stake.
After capturing the Premier League title last season, Chelsea Head Coach Antonio Conte and the Club have refused to rest on their laurels. Heavily linked with Tiemoue Bakayoko of Monaco to strengthen midfield options, with Matic(reported to leave), Fabregas and Kante already in that position, it has become increasingly clear that first team opportunities for the highly rated Nathaniel Chalobah will be a rarity even with Chelsea competing in Europe.
Chalobah joined the Chelsea Academy as a 10-year old. After featuring regularly in the youth sides and an array of loan spells, Chalobah was retained in the first team having impressed Conte in the pre-season last summer. Chalobah made his Chelsea debut on 20th September 2016 against Leicester replacing Michy Batshuayi in a 4-2 win to progress to the fourth round of the EFL Cup. His high point in Chelsea colours came in a 3-0 league win over Leicester when he provided a sublime back-heel assist for Victor Moses to score.
Comfortable on the ball, the 22-year old Englishman is known for his versatility, capable of playing both as a midfielder and a defender. It is no surprise that he is a player much in demand with the likes of Watford, Swansea and Leicester interested in adding the player to their respective rosters.
Having signed a 5-year contract in 2013 with The Pensioners, the player is in his last year of a contract with the club. Despite Chelsea’s interest in tying down the player, Chalobah could be prized away with the promise of first-team football. Leicester City, after last season’s disastrous title defence, finished strong after replacing Claudio Ranieri with Craig Shakespeare. After the departure of N’Golo Kante to Chelsea, it became apparent how much of an influence he had had in Leicester’s incredible League win. Shakespeare is looking to enhance his team’s chances by strengthening his midfield and the capture of Chalobah from Chelsea could prove to be a masterstroke.
With Swansea boss Paul Clement also eyeing the midfielder, Chelsea could do good business if they agree to release the midfielder. Although smarting from the Lukaku saga, being made to pay through their nose, it could come back to bite Chelsea if they fail to include a buy-back clause should they choose to sell.
