According to Italian news outlet Calciomercato, Chelsea have joined Arsenal in the chase to sign Cengiz Ünder in the upcoming January transfer window.
It has been claimed that the AS Roma attacker has attracted the interest of several top clubs around Europe thanks to his remarkable performances in the Serie A.
Chelsea are vying for the services of the Turkish international as they look to strengthen their attack in January. But is Ünder the right choice for the Blues?
Cengiz Ünder: Player profile
Ünder is primarily a central attacking midfielder, who is blessed with an exquisite skillset. He is a quick-footed attacker, who can go past a defender pretty easily largely thanks to his dribbling ability and low centre of gravity.
The Turk’s ability to carry the ball effortlessly in the final third can be compared to that of Shinji Kagawa but at the same time, he is also direct and unlike the Japanese international, he is never afraid to take on defenders inside the penalty area.
Ünder has completed 2.3 dribbles along with 1.6 key passes per game this season, which are excellent numbers for an attacking midfielder. In addition, the Turkish international has also attempted 18 shots on goal, which is indicative of his eagerness to find the back of the net.
Most importantly, however, Ünder’s composure in the final third belies his age, which is what makes him one of the most sought-after playmakers in Europe.
Ünder is very matured in terms of decision making in the final third and is always on the lookout for a killer pass to breach the opposition defence, making him an appealing target for Chelsea.
Should Chelsea sign Cengiz Ünder?
As stated earlier, Cengiz Under is an attacking dynamo, who can obliterate defences with his neat movements and quick-feet.
His technical prowess will help him become a tailor-made fit for Maurizio Sarri’s tactical philosophy while he can also add some youthful exuberance to the Chelsea side, especially with the likes of Pedro and Cesc Fabregas failing to crack the first team on a regular basis.
Most importantly, however, Ünder’s versatility will also allow him to play not only as an attacking midfield but also as a winger, making him an indirect replacement for either Willian or Eden Hazard in the long run.
It is believed that Chelsea are ready to offer Andreas Christensen along with a fee of £31 million, which is logical given the fact that the Danish international has failed to crack the first team while £31m is a barely snip for the Blues in the market these days.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
