Chelsea keeping tabs on African star with £17.5m release clause as backup plan

Transfer News: Chelsea are keeping tabs on Maxwel Cornet as a backup-plan

According to The Athletic (Subscription Required), Chelsea are considering a transfer swoop for Maxwel Cornet if they fail to lure primary targets.

As far as new arrivals for the men’s team are concerned, Chelsea’s hot summer transfer days have been a bit of a damp squib thus far. While we may make a big signing or two, we already have backup plans in place should those not materialise.

After being relegated last season, Burnley are back in the second level. While they could recover quickly under new head coach Vincent Kompany, as they did in 2015, their finest players might not be too excited about playing Championship football. 

And at Burnley, it doesn’t get much better than Maxwel Cornet, whose contract has a £17.5million relegation release clause. He is apparently being watched by Chelsea as a potential cheap alternative for a new attacker.

This news comes as Chelsea might lose out on a few of their attacking targets. The Blues and Leeds United agreed on a deal for Raphinha, but it’s clear the Brazilian player has his sights set on Barcelona. 

Despite the possibility of the 25-year-old joining the Catalans, it looks that Ousmane Dembele, who is currently without a contract, might also strike a new agreement at the Nou Camp, preventing Thomas Tuchel from having another chance to collaborate with the Frenchman.

These potential misses might encourage the Blues to sign Cornet, who managed to score nine goals for Burnley despite being injured and playing for his country at the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Blues, who want to once again compete among Europe’s top clubs, would be aware of the Ivorian’s history in Europe with Lyon. With his versatility making him a very valuable asset, Thomas Tuchel would also know he could multiple birds with one stone and strengthen a number of positions with Cornet’s inclusion.

More Chelsea News

• Transfer News: Barcelona want to lure Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso from Chelsea for €20M
• Chelsea make enquiry about Cristiano Ronaldo transfer situation at Manchester United
• Juventus reveal their stance regarding the transfer of Chelsea target Matthijs de Ligt

It now remains to be seen what happens in this area, but Cornet isn’t as bad an option as some might say he is. He is versatile, of a good age profile, and showed with the Clarets that he can succeed in English football.