It’s set to be a busy Christmas period for Chelsea on the pitch, and an equally frantic one behind the scenes with the January window fast approaching.
Most of the stories to come out of the rumour mill at Chelsea have been around young players.
16-year-old Mohamed Zongo has been signed to Strasbourg, with the plan being for him to develop there before coming to Stamford Bridge down the line, while more South American youngsters are being eyed by BlueCo.
But their transfer interest is not restricted to youth players. A new report from Switzerland claims Chelsea are set to join Man United in the race for one of the Premier League’s rising stars.
Noah Sadiki, Marc Cucurella and Pedro Neto during Chelsea vs Sunderland
Photo by Alex Broadway/Getty Images
Chelsea and Man United want Sunderland’s Noah Sadiki
Sunderland have shocked everyone with how well they have fared upon returning to the Premier League.
Granit Xhaka has been labelled by many as the signing of the season, slotting into Regis Le Bris’ midfield to great effect, but his partner in the engine room has been just as integral.
Noah Sadiki came to Sunderland from the Belgian League this summer, and the 20-year-old has been nothing short of phenomenal.
After coming to Stamford Bridge and winning back in October, Sadiki caught the attention of the Blues as a potential transfer target.
As Sky Sports’ Sacha Tavolieri reports: “Chelsea acted immediately after the Black Cats’ last match against the Blues on October 25th, contacting Sunderland to inquire about the asking price for the young talent.
“This direct approach is a sign of the very serious interest from Stamford Bridge.”
They will face competition in any effort to lure Sadiki to West London.
He continues: “But Chelsea aren’t alone. Manchester United have long had Sadiki in their sights: the Red Devils had already approached the player’s representatives at the start of the season, proof that the situation is being closely monitored.”
The position that Chelsea MUST strengthen in 2026 is _ _ _ _ _ _
Chelsea owner Behdad Eghbali and directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart at Wolves game
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Sadiki is a box-to-box midfielder with an incredible work rate and a front-footed style in possession. He has earned comparisons to N’Golo Kante with how he can cover every blade of grass.
Chelsea are well-stocked in midfield as it stands, but they wouldn’t hesitate to add the Congo international to their ranks.
Chelsea have to make tough calls in midfield
Sadiki has looked like one of the best newcomers this season, and any club would love to have him.
Chelsea have been linked with a number of Premier League midfielders, so they clearly want to strengthen there.
But surely someone has to make way. Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo are obviously not going to be considered, and captain Reece James will also be a guaranteed midfield option.
It really feels like one of Andrey Santos or Romeo Lavia will need to make way if another top-class midfielder is to arrive.
Chelsea midfielders Romeo Lavia, Moises Caicedo and Andrey Santos holding Club World Cup trophy
Credit: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Chelsea likely have a preference, but they might struggle to attract an interested buyer for the injury-prone Lavia.
Santos hasn’t had the opportunity he might deserve, but if someone like Sadiki, Adam Wharton or Elliot Anderson comes in, that might be the nail in the coffin for the young Brazilian who is already struggling for minutes.
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