Chelsea have a lot of work to do this summer, if they want to rebuild the squad into one that can compete with the best in England. Xabi Alonso will be coming in as manager. And he is expected to have a lot of say when it comes to the club’s transfer activity. Let’s hope he has a good eye for talent, cause the Blues have not been able to put together a squad that can even qualify for Europe despite spending close to two billion pounds.
One of the areas that could be in need of reinforcements this summer is left-back. That is because Marc Cucurella is one of the candidates to leave this summer.
Cucurella had previously been linked with a move to Barcelona. But now, it looks like Atletico Madrid have emerged as the favourites to sign him. Manchester City could be a possible destination as well, as they are set to hire Enzo Maresca. The left-back was fantastic under his management at Chelsea.
As for the Blues, it looks like they already have an alternative to Cucurella on their mind. And it is someone they let go in the recent past, only to regret it. According to Simon Phillips (via The Chelsea Chronicle):
“Officials from Chelsea met with officials from Newcastle over the weekend to discuss FIVE players.
“As you know, Chelsea have an interest in Nick Woltemade, but at the moment Newcastle are keen to keep him. The other Newcastle player you know about is Lewis Hall, and our sources can confirm that Hall was discussed once again over the weekend – Chelsea are very keen to try and get him in to replace Marc Cucurella, who is expected to depart this summer.”
Chelsea have been in discussions with Newcastle United over key players
Now, many might question calling Lewis Hall ‘world-class’ already. But I have a pretty straightforward answer for that.
He is recognised by many as the best left-back in the Premier League. If not, he is very much in that converstation according to most.
Well, as we know, the Premier League is the best in the world right now and by some distance. So, how can its best left-back not be ‘world-class’.
Whether he falls in that bracket or not, there is no doubt that he is a very good player. And if Chelsea can bring him back, it would a major coup.
Lewis Hall did come through Cobham
It is very to forget but Hall did come through the ranks at Cobham. He was given a first-team chance during Thomas Tuchel’s time as manager of Chelsea.
That makes it very interesting that Tuchel did not include him in the upcoming World Cup squad. He certainly deserved to be on it. That decision will be questioned for years to come. Especially if England do not do well in the tournament.
Coming back to Chelsea. It remains to be seen if they can convince both Newcastle United and Hall over a move.
If Cucurella does end up leaving the club, they would need to bring in a replacement. Hall would fit that bill perfectly.
Yes, Chelsea do have other players like Jorrel Hato and Geovany Quenda coming in this summer from Sporting CP. But are they good enough to be starting for Chelsea right now? Maybe not.
Some will also view Valentin Barco as a potential solution. He did make a name for himself as a midfielder for Strasbourg. But he did break through at Boca Juniors and the first time he caught BlueCo’s eye, it was in that role. So, he could be a candidate for that role under Alonso.