Transfer News: Filip Kostic will only join Chelsea this summer
According to Chelsea Dodgers via Sport Bild (h/t football.london), West Ham United target Filip Kostic will only join Chelsea this summer.
A left-midfielder he is been a target for the Hammers this summer. But in a surprise twist to his tale, it is claimed that he will only leave Eintracht Frankfurt for Chelsea this summer.
The 29-year-old played a crucial part last season as he helped his side win the Europa League and subsequently qualify for the Champions League for next season. Missing out on Champions League football could be a reason for him rejecting West Ham.
According to a report in The Sun earlier this week, the Hammers have had a £12.5 million bid rejected with the Bundesliga side wanting up to £16 million for the winger. Though West Ham remains confident in their pursuit, the same cannot be said for the player.
Thomas Tuchel is currently overhauling his squad. The German added Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly to his ranks and is looking to bring in some more players before the window closes. Chelsea have shown little interest in Kostic so far and it remains to be seen if they will now shift their stance.
With Marcos Alonso keen to leave for Barcelona and given Ben Chilwell’s injury history, a backup will be needed and Kostic can also do a job as a wing-backe. However given his age, he would likely be a short-term solution, something which would be unwise on Tuchel’s part.
The Blues have been linked with Joakim Maehle and he seems to be a better option than Kostic. Given that Tuchel has been focused on fixing his defence, it is very unlikely that the Blues will make a move for Kostic this summer.
More Chelsea News
- Real Madrid have enquired about Chelsea striker Armando Broja
- Benjamin Pavard will be open to joining Chelsea this summer
- Chelsea have agreed personal terms with Wesley Fofana
It remains to be seen what happens. Kostic will be wise to not have his hopes high of getting a move to Stamford Bridge this summer. As for West Ham, they could look for another player in the market.
