Midfield is one area Chelsea could try to strengthen this summer, partly because of Romeo Lavia’s injuries.
Lavia has once again missed a large part of the campaign due to injury, which has been a blow for the Blues.
It now looks like Chelsea are considering replacing the 22-year-old as well as teammate Andrey Santos.
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Chelsea considering move for Hayden Hackney
If Chelsea do sell Lavia or Santos in the upcoming transfer window, they could end up turning to Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney.
Journalist Simon Phillips has claimed on Si Phillips Talks Chelsea that Chelsea are exploring a potential move to sign Hackney.
According to Phillips, Lavia and/or Santos could need replacing in the summer, and Hackney has been identified as someone who could come in and play in midfield next season.
Hayden Hackney of Middlesbrough
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Hackney has been a huge player for Middlesbrough this term, making 38 appearances in the Championship. Across those games, he has scored five goals and provided six assists.
Considering that, Kim Hellberg will not want to lose the 23-year-old. But if Boro fail to win promotion to the Premier League, they may not be able to keep hold of him.
Hayden Hackney not an upgrade on Romeo Lavia or Andrey Santos
While Hackney has impressed in the Championship this season, he is not a better player than Lavia, who is easily one of the most press-resistant midfielders in the Premier League.
Hackney is not at the level of Santos either, a Brazil international. It is hard to imagine how he would improve this Chelsea side.
Of course, Hackney could always develop into a top Premier League midfielder. Adam Wharton, for example, has become just that after his move to Crystal Palace from Blackburn Rovers a couple of years ago.
But this Chelsea squad needs ready-made players who already have experience at the highest level, and this season has proven that. BlueCo are not going to win supporters over with the signing of Hackney.
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