Transfer News:
Chelsea’s passage to the finals of the FA Cup provided some respite for Antonio Conte. The Italian manager has not been having a favourable second season. It has been extremely inconsistent and the Blues look likely to finish outside the Top 4. This campaign has been marred by the constant complaints against the board by the manager and increasing speculations regarding the future of his job.
Out of the many players that Conte had demanded from the board in January, one of the major requirements was that of a backup left back. Now, with the summer transfer window fast approaching the reports are linking PSG left-back Layvin Kurzawa with a move to Chelsea. The report also states that there is interest from Manchester United too and Chelsea might have to outmuscle United in the transfer market to secure the player’s signature.
Layvin Kurzawa: A stable left-back
Kurzawa is a consistent performer for PSG and has become one of the main members in the defence for the Paris-based team. He uses his pace on the flanks to stretch the play and provides width by pushing on from his position in defence. Kurzawa likes to dribble on the flanks and with his link-up play, has the tendency to create openings for his team in the final third. Kurzawa can put in some testing crosses into the box too and becomes extremely crucial whenever the team adopts a direct approach to games.
He has scored twice and assisted once in 18 Ligue 1 appearances this season and has created 11 goal-scoring chances. Kurzawa was exceptional in the Champions League though, as he scored thrice and assisted twice in just six appearances. He has averaged a passing accuracy of 87% this season and that bodes well for potential suitors. Kurzawa is dominant in the air too and has won almost 1.8 aerial duels in each game this season. He has made 2.1 tackles, whilst having intercepted and cleared the ball on an average of 1.5 times in every match this season.
Should Chelsea make a move?
Currently, Chelsea have the services of probably the best left-back in the league in Marcos Alonso. The Spaniard has regularly proved his quality and attacking impetus and has been named in the PFA Team of the Season this time around too. They also signed Emerson Palmieri in January and the Italian fullback has so far provided good backup to Alonso. Chelsea have a number of other areas they need to improve in the first team and hence this move is not necessarily the one they need to wrap up anytime soon.
Stats Courtesy: Squawka