Chelsea have joined the race for Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum.
That is according to reports in Spain, as per the Daily Mail, with the Blues reportedly set to rival Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Juventus for the Dutchman’s signature this summer.
Wijnaldum’s contract at Liverpool expires at the end of June, and so far there has been no agreement reached in order to ensure the 30-year-old stays in Merseyside for at least another season.
As a result, the midfielder is free to speak with foreign clubs in regard to signing a pre-contract agreement that will come into affect from July 1, 2021.
Video Unavailable
For a while now it appeared Wijnaludum was destined to reunite with former national team boss Ronald Koeman at Barcelona, but the cash-strapped La Liga giants are now facing a battle to get a deal done.
Spanish outlet Marca reports that Chelsea are looking to take advantage of the situation by joining a lengthy list of clubs vying for the Netherlands international.
The report states that Wijnaldum’s experience appeals to Blues head coach Thomas Tuchel as it would benefit the young squad he has at his disposal at Stamford Bridge.
Upon his appointment in January, the German has relied upon Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso and has been rewarded with the experienced pair contributing to a much improved Chelsea defence.
But will Wijnaldum arrive to make the midfield department stronger?
Well, Marca claim that Barcelona still lead the race for the Dutchman, and that Liverpool are yet to concede hope of keeping Wijnaldum next season.
Meanwhile, the midfielder has remained coy regarding his future.
“It’s not as easy as everyone thinks it is to make some decisions about your future,” he said last month. “You have to think about everything and then first negotiate with the clubs and it’s so difficult and it’s why it takes so long.”
The summer transfer window is just around the corner.
And the rumour mill is already starting to pick up speed.
New Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel will surely be looking to strengthen the squad he was given when he took over from Frank Lampard and there have already been a number of top players linked with a move, including Erling Haaland.
The striker is thought to be the Blues’ number on transfer priority.
But who would you sign? Get involved in our transfer window debate here.
If Chelsea are able to pull off a deal for Wijnaldum he would be Tuchel’s first signing as head coach.
Despite arriving whilst the January transfer window was in full swing, the German did not bolster his squad, perhaps with the intention of holding funds back for his first full transfer window.
As well as Wijnaldum, the Blues have also been linked with moves for Erling Haaland, Gianluigi Donnaruma, and Niklas Sule.