Adam Johnson is one of a number of English wingers to have blossomed over the last few years, but many believe he is a wasted talent at Manchester City, with boss Roberto Mancini using him very sparingly, meaning Johnson isn’t getting the pitch time he wants, or deserves.
When he has played, he has done well; scoring 5 times in the 21 games he has taken part in this season. With Euro 2012 coming up, and ample competition for his position, Johnson will feel aggrieved should he not be taken.
Chelsea on the other hand, are certainly struggling in that department. Salomon Kalou was hardly used by Villas-Boas, and Florent Malouda looks set to leave after a poor season, although Juan Mata has been one shining star on the wings.
The 24-year old was always very highly rated as he rose through the ranks at Middlesbrough, making his debut in the UEFA Cup ages 17, a competition he was used in this season for Man City.
He had two loan spells at Leeds and Watford, but came back to Middlesbrough and scored against his present club on the last day of the 2007-08 season, in a 8-1 demolition.
He was then snapped up by Manchester City as they began to rebuild their squad, and played 16 times from January to May in the 09-10 campaign.
With 68 appearances, and 10 goals, along with 10 internation caps, he may well decide to leave this summer, to give him the best chance of being top condition for the World Cup in 2014, especially as Manchester City will undoubtably spend, to try and challenge on domestic and European levels next season.
Chelsea will no doubt sell either Kalou or Malouda, and may be both, meaning Johnson could easily be on Chelseas radar.
He could probably be picked up for around £10-£15 million, which in this market is a steal, and with the riches involved at Manchester City, there won’t be much haggling from them, as no doubt they already have their eyes on some of Europes biggest assets.
Player Rating : 8 – Has had great spells, but haven’t had chance to see a whole season from him. Is he consistent enough?
Need for Winger: 7 – Juan Mata has been superb, and Kalou, Sturridge and Torres have been used on the other side. But outgoings may mean he is needed.
Affordable? : 10 – The Citizens won’t be expected to want a huge sum for the winger.
Probability : 25/30
By Brad Smith
Follow @BrummieBrad
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