Chelsea have been dealt a massive blow in their attempt to make a deadline day move for Watford star Abdoulaye Doucoure.
The Blues let Cesc Fabregas make a move to Monaco and were desperate to add to their midfield ranks ahead of a crucial season run in. But according to a report on football.london, Maurizio Sarri will not be getting his way with Watford in no mood to let go of their midfield engine just yet.
The Blues have struggled in recent weeks. Jorginho’s early season form has dissipated and N’Golo Kante has been continually played out of position. Add to that Ross Barkley’s inconsistency and Mateo Kovacic’s inability to have more of a say on proceedings, it is no wonder Sarri would have wanted a new face in his squad.
Doucoure would certainly have added another dimension to Chelsea’s midfield with the player equally effective in attack as well as defence. His frame makes it difficult for opponents to dispossess him and his excellent work-rate means he can more often than not, cover for his and his teammates’ mistakes.
He is no slouch in front of goal too, with the Frenchman scoring 3 times along with notching up 5 assists already this season.