With midfield reinforcements top focus, Chelsea is getting ready for yet another exciting summer transfer window, in the form of Kobbie Mainoo. Although the Blues have relied mostly on Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo this season, secondary choices have mostly disappointed. Romeo Lavia’s ongoing injury worries have also restricted his capacity to have a significant influence, which leaves Chelsea desperate to add quality depth in midfield.
Chelsea Track Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo
Reports from Caught Offside indicate that Chelsea is under active consideration a relocation for young star for Manchester United, Kobbie Mainoo. Quickly establishing his importance in Erik ten Hag’s team, the 18-year-old midfielder has shown with composure, technical ability, and versatility. Mainoo’s future at Old Trafford remains uncertain, and The Guardian speculates that if United fail to reach an agreement on a contract extension, they might be forced to sell him for £70 million.
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BREAKING:
Kobbie Mainoo has rejected Man Utd’s £120k-a-week offer, demanding £180k instead. The club is now open to selling him for £80m. Chelsea & Bayern are interested, with Chelsea preparing a £60m bid. United’s financial struggles could force a sale. #MUFC #Mainoo pic.twitter.com/OHHAOP5bo2
— Manutd Addicts (@Manutd_addicts) March 4, 2025
Currently making £20,000 a week, Mainoo is allegedly asking for a hefty pay rise of £180,000 a week. Given Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s recent admission of United’s unstable financial status, achieving Mainoo’s expectations could prove difficult. United might choose to cash in even if it is under contract until 2027 should negotiations fail to proceed as expected.
Does Mainoo deserve £70 million?
Mainoo has already shown great promise, even if some would wonder about the £70 million estimate for a very inexperienced player. Apart from confirming his position at Manchester United, he has also started showing up regularly for England under Gareth Southgate. Footballing greats such as England’s World Cup winner Gary Lineker have praised the young player; Lineker describes him as a “very impressive” talent.
Mainoo’s forward driving ability will surely help Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, especially in close quarters. Although the Blues have two outstanding deep-lying midfield players in Fernández and Caicedo, they have struggled with attacking transition fluidity. Mainoo’s dynamism and ball movement might be the missing link Chelsea’s midfield needs to help them run more effectively in the last third.
The preferred destination of Mainoo can be abroad
Despite Chelsea’s interest, Caught Offside notes that Mainoo ideally wants to move to an Italian or Spanish team. However, whether teams from those leagues are ready to pay Mainoo’s aspirational salary and meet United’s £70 million asking price, is still a big question. If no viable offers materialize from overseas, Chelsea could be in a strong position to swoop in and secure his signature.
Chelsea’s hunt of midfield reinforcements will be under intense observation as the summer transfer window draws near. Whether or not they can land Mainoo, their top goal is clearly adding a technically gifted, ball-carrying midfielder to their lineup. Chelsea could grab the chance to attract one of England’s most outstanding young players to Stamford Bridge while Manchester United struggles financially and contract negotiations teeter on.
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