Chelsea reportedly explored the possibility of signing Renato Sanches as a free agent this summer, as per French outlet Foot Mercato.
Following Andrey Santos’ move to Manchester United, the Blues decided to add depth to the engine room by signing Jordan Henderson. However, despite letting Enzo Fernandez join Manchester City on deadline day, they couldn’t find a suitable replacement for the Argentinian.
So, the West London club currently have Moisés Caicedo, Romeo Lavia, Dario Essugo and Henderson as specialist options to deploy in the deeper midfield roles.
However, Caicedo has been out injured, while Lavia has had numerous fitness problems over the years, although he has started all three Premier League matches this season. Essugo, meanwhile, struggled with fitness problems throughout last term.
Xabi Alonso has used Reece James and Malo Gusto in the engine room this season, although they are right-backs by trait.
Now, Foot Mercato state that Chelsea wanted to sign either Lamine Camara or Manu Kone to replace Fernandez and even came close to buying the AS Monaco star.
But the Ligue 1 side eventually blocked his departure at the last minute. After missing out on their primary targets, Chelsea explored free agent options and held talks regarding signing Georginio Wijnaldum, but he has joined Al-Ittihad.
The report state that Alonso’s side even added Sanches to their shortlist but ultimately decided not to make a move and keep faith in their current options.
Sanches to Chelsea
Sanches came into the spotlight having displayed impressive performances for Portugal in the European Championship back in 2016. He even helped his country win the competition.
The 29-year-old was considered one of the best young midfielders in the world and was destined to reach the top. However, he hasn’t been able to reach his full potential, and after the end of his contract with Paris Saint-Germain, he is currently without a club.
Sanches is a box-to-box midfielder by trait but can also be deployed in the defensive midfield position. Having previously played for Swansea City, he knows about English football.
Nevertheless, it would have been a surprise acquisition had Chelsea decided to sign the former Bayern Munich man this summer.
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