According to Daily Mirror, Crystal Palace and Southampton are eager to land Chelsea outcast Danny Drinkwater this summer. The former Leicester City midfielder has been deemed surplus to the requirements at Stamford Bridge following the arrival of new coach Maurizio Sarri. As a result, he will be allowed to leave the club before the deadline day on August 9.
This has reportedly attracted the interest of both Crystal Palace and Southampton. Palace, in particular, are believed to be leading the pursuit of Drinkwater although the Saints are also keen to sign him up this summer.
Drinkwater, 27, endured a miserable campaign at Chelsea in this past season after initially moving to West London last summer. His debut season with the Blues was marred by injuries, as he featured in just five league outings. His absence in midfield was a huge blow for Chelsea, who were already struggling under Antonio Conte.
And it is believed that Drinkwater’s qualities in the centre of the pitch won’t be necessary for this new season thanks to Sarri’s unique possession-based style of play. The Italian mastermind has already insisted that there is a pinch of quality missing in midfield and thus, are keen on signing another top quality midfielder this summer, having already signed Jorginho a few weeks earlier.
As a result of which, they may have to make room in the current midfield setup and Danny Drinkwater, along with Tiemoue Bakayoko have been identified as the perfect candidates.
Crystal Palace, on the other hand, could be hugely boosted by the addition of Drinkwater considering their lack of depth in midfield. The Eagles have already lost the services of star midfielder Yohan Cabaye earlier this summer, meaning Serbian international Luka Milivojevic along with James McArthur remain their only reliable options in central midfield at the moment.
Therefore, the acquisition of a star midfielder could be imperative for Roy Hodgson’s men with Drinkwater being the perfect target. The 27-year-old midfielder has already shown his qualities in the Premier League during his time with Leicester. His incredible work-ethic coupled with his impressive ball-circulation can easily bolster Palace’s midfield setup whilst also revitalizing their lack of thrust in that area of the pitch.
In addition, he’s no stranger to the Premier League, having already recorded a league title with Leicester City. Thus, he can be an ideal solution to Palace’s midfield problems as they aim to make an impression in the upcoming season.
