Transfer News: Chelsea keeping tabs on USMNT midfielder

Chelsea are keeping tabs on Juventus and USA international midfielder Weston McKennie

According to a Substack column from journalist Simon Phillips (h/t Football.London), Chelsea are keeping close tabs on Juventus and USA men’s national team midfielder Weston McKennie.

McKennie arrived at Juventus from German side Schalke in the summer of 2020. Initially, he was more of a squad player who got rotated in and out of the side.

This season though, the 24-year-old has been one of the prominent figures in the team. Despite the team’s lack of form, the midfielder has had a decent campaign so far, which has attracted interest from top European clubs, including Chelsea and Manchester United.

Positionally, McKennie is a central midfielder who can offer his services in both boxes. However, he has played in a double pivot, as a wide midfielder in a 4-4-2 formation and also as a wing-back. He is one of those utility players who can do well even when they are not always playing in their preferred position.

Chelsea could do with fresh and young additions to the midfield department sooner rather than later. Jorginho (30) and N’Golo Kante (31) have their contracts expiring at the end of this season. Although there are talks ongoing with the Italian international for a contract extension, he is asking for a pay rise.

For Kante, who is currently out injured and will miss the World Cup, there are serious chances that he leaves the club as a free agent next June.

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• Graham Potter coy about Chelsea signing Cristiano Ronaldo

So, if given a chance, the Blues should continue to monitor McKennie’s situation and make an offer for him, either in January or in the summer. The 24-year-old would not only bring a dynamic body to their central midfield but also his positional flexibility. Graham Potter generally likes players who he can use in different positions as per his formational changes.