Chelsea are considering making a move for Danny Drinkwater, following the departure of Nemanja Matic to Manchester United earlier this week.
Serbian international Matic, who won two Premier League titles during his second spell at Stamford Bridge, was allowed to move to Old Trafford for £40million on Monday afternoon. This has left a void in Antonio Conte’s squad, and one he intends to fill before the start of the new season.
Because although the Blues have paid around £39million for Tiemoue Bakayoko this summer, their head coach wants to sign another midfielder as he prepares his options for what is likely to be a hectic campaign, particularly now that UEFA Champions League football is back on the agenda.
According to reports, Conte has identified Drinkwater as a potential addition to his squad. The 27-year-old was an important part of the Leicester City side which stunned the footballing world by winning the Premier League title in 2016, when his performances earned him international recognition.
Although the former Manchester United youngster only has three caps for England, he will be aware that his chances of making Gareth Southgate’s squad for the World Cup Finals would be enhanced by a move to Chelsea, although the competition for a starting place would be much more intense.
The midfielder, who had loan spells at Huddersfield Town, Cardiff City, Watford and Barnsley whilst under contract at Old Trafford, has four years left on his contract at the King Power Stadium so the Foxes are certainly under no pressure to sell a player they would rate at around £20million.
Should Conte push for Drinkwater, the player would be reunited with his old Leicester pal N’Golo Kante with whom he partnered in that famous title-winning side. But whereas the France international is already established at Stamford Bridge, his former colleague could find it more difficult.
