Chelsea are reportedly eyeing a transfer for AS Roma centre-back Gianluca Mancini this summer.
According to the Express, Chelsea will compete with Manchester United for Mancini. Roma though are not too keen to sell the talented centre-back, who they see as a long-term prospect.
However, every player has a price, and the financial implications of COVID-19 could force the club to cash in on the defender.
As per reports, the 24-year-old Roma centre-back could be available for a fee of £27 million in the summer. Mancini’s contract expires in 2024.
He might plan to review his options in the summer. And, if Roma fail to secure Champions League football, they might find it hard to retain Mancini.
Gianluca Mancini – Is he worth the fuss?
Under Thomas Tuchel, Chelsea have become a lot more sturdy unit, and are yet to lose since the German took over. However, there is more room for improvement. Last season, the Blues reinforced their defence by signing Thiago Silva on a free transfer.
Since his arrival at Stamford Bridge, the Brazilian has made a big impression. But at 36, he is nearing the end of his career. So, he needs to be replaced with a younger and an able prospect.
Manchester United and Chelsea both want to sign Roma and Italy defender Gianluca Mancini, 24. (Express) pic.twitter.com/iXGAczXdwi
— Transfer News Central (@TransferNewsCen) March 13, 2021
Throughout this season, Mancini has only lost three Serie A games, playing 23 times for Roma. He has scored five goals too, and is one of the best defenders in the Serie A at the moment.
Mancini is a tall, physically intimidating central defender who can play in both a three and a four-man defence. His outstanding heading ability is one of his strongest attributes, allowing him a pose a goal threat in the opposition’s penalty box as well.
His distribution is pretty impressive as well, as he has recorded a pass accuracy of 89.5% and is good with his passing.
The aforementioned attributes are perfect for Tuchel’s gameplan and tactic, and would add more quality and depth to the Chelsea defence.
It will be also a bonus for Chelsea to sign the 24-year-old at the mentioned price. We have seen centre-backs’ price being skyrocket in recent windows, so £27 million would be a bargain for a player of Mancini’s potential.