Chelsea reportedly already have a backup plan in place if they fail to land Kobbie Mainoo this summer, and it’s one that could save them a significant transfer fee. The Blues have been put on red alert after Mainoo’s latest contract talks with United were said to have stalled, with the club now considering a sale while they still command a sizable fee.
Along with Alejandro Garnacho, he was linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in January. Neither transfer materialised, but the 19-year-old is said to be unhappy with life under Ruben Amorim, having been frequently played in an unfamiliar defensive role. With two years still left on his current deal though, United are said to want a transfer fee north of £70million.
Chelsea’s pursuit could also be scuppered by the teenager’s reportedly favoured move abroad. However, another young, highly rated midfielder, albeit one yet to experience Premier League football, has emerged as an alternative option.
Jobe Bellingham is showing the sort of form that suggests he’ll follow brother Jude onto the senior international stage. He’s currently pivotal to Sunderland’s promotion bid, with the Black Cats currently on course for the Championship play-offs.
Bellingham has started 32 league matches this season, scoring four times. Despite being contracted to the north-East side until 2028, club bosses will know that a summer departure will be inevitable if the Black Cats don’t make it to the Premier League.
According to Football Insider, Chelsea are the favourites to land England Under-21 international. That’s despite the fact that Borussia Dortmund, Tottenham, and Crystal Palace are also said to be monitoring developments at the Stadium of Light.
While the reputation of the younger Bellingham brother is yet to match that of Mainoo’s, he has already surpassed 100 senior appearances in club football. The fee for his services will also likely be significantly less than what United wants for Mainoo.
Enzo Maresca has favoured playing two deep-lying midfielders this season, with Moises Caicedo a regular fixture in his team. However, Romeo Lavia’s time at Chelsea has been plagued by injuries since moving from Southampton in the summer of 2023, forcing the Italian manager to have to play Enzo Fernandez in a deeper role.