Chelsea’s recruitment team have identified Wolves sensation Mateus Mane as a top summer priority, but they face a major battle to convince the teenager to leave Molineux.
Despite the January transfer window finishing just over a month ago, the work for the summer has already begun at Chelsea.
Emanuel Emegha is already set to join in the summer, but a midfielder, an attacker and a defender have been put on the shortlist as the Blues look to strengthen.
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Quite a lot of the business will also depend on how some of the players already at the club perform from here on in until the end of the season. As Alejandro Garnacho is one name under the spotlight.
Perhaps that’s why Chelsea are casting their eyes over Wolves winger Mateus Mane.
Wolves are convinced Mateus Mane will stay
We reported a while back that Wolves felt as if Mane’s exit might be inevitable in the summer, but now it seems as if a change of fortunes has the club hoping that he will now be staying.
However, a new claim from TeamTalk suggests that Wolves are set to offer Mane a new deal and have been given hope that he will stay at the club this summer.
It’s stated that ‘there’s a real belief here that we can persuade Mateus to stay. The promise of regular first-team football is a huge factor, and he knows how highly he’s valued at Wolves.
‘Even if the worst happens, we’re confident he’ll see his future here.’
This comes after Chelsea had scouts watching Mane during the 3-1 win at Molineux.
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Surely, Chelsea would be too much for Mane to turn down
The primary factor that could persuade Mateus Mane to swap Molineux for Stamford Bridge is the opportunity to be the centerpiece of one of Europe’s most ambitious youth projects.
While Wolves are fighting a desperate battle against relegation, sitting bottom of the table, Chelsea offers the 18-year-old an immediate platform for Champions League football and major trophies under Liam Rosenior.
The allure of joining a squad with a similar age profile, where fellow teenager Estevao is already a regular starter, proves that Chelsea have a vision. His only worry could be a lack of regular football, as Chelsea has several expensive winger options available.
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