Sam Allardyce has joined the growing calls for Chelsea to sign Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson. He says that the former Newcastle player’s age and skill make him a perfect fit. The former England manager said on the Tippy Tappy Football podcast that the 23-year-old would be a perfect fit for BlueCo’s hiring model.
It is believed that Chelsea are keeping an eye on Anderson as they look to improve their midfield ahead of the summer transfer window. Liam Rosenior currently uses a three-man midfield that often includes Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez, but he needs more depth beyond those players. Romeo Lavia has had many injuries this season, and Dario Essugo has had problems as well.
Allardyce made it very clear on the podcast how much he liked Anderson:
“He might be at Chelsea. He’s a good age for the Chelsea boys, he’s in their category, young and talented.”
Anderson has scored two goals and set up two more in 29 Premier League games this season. He has also helped Forest in their Europa League campaign. Thomas Tuchel, England’s head coach and Chelsea’s former boss, has called him a “complete midfielder.” His ability to play as a disciplined number six or a driving box-to-box presence makes him even more appealing.
Anderson himself has, however, downplayed the rumours about his future. He said this before Forest’s Europa League match against Fenerbahce:
“I’m just focusing on my football at the moment and performing and trying to give everything to Nottingham Forest. That’s all that’s on my mind. It’s been a big two years. I think I’ve done really well, to be honest, in the time I’ve been here. I’ve matured on and off the pitch.”
Reports say that Foresthave put a price tag of about £90 million on the midfielder, which could be a big problem. Newcastle United, Manchester United, and Manchester Cityare also trying to sign the England international, so Chelseaaren’t the only team in the running.
Enzo Fernandez Casts Doubt Over Chelsea Future After Humbling PSG Defeat
Chelsea’s 8-2 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League round of 16 was bad enough, but Enzo Fernandez’s blunt comments about his future after the game have made things even worse for the club. The 25-year-old has been one of Chelsea’s best players this season, scoring 12 goals in all competitions, including one in the first leg against PSG.
When ESPN Argentina asked the Argentine World Cup winner directly about his long-term commitment to the Blues, he gave a vague answer:
“I don’t know. My focus is here for now. We have eight Premier League matches to play and the FA Cup. Then, the World Cup is coming up, so we’ll see after that.”
Real Madrid and PSG are both interested in the midfielder, and both clubs have the money to talk to Chelsea. The Blues would want a big return on their £106.8 million investment because Fernandez is under contract until 2032.