Chelsea end interest in PL star to focus on Ligue 1 midfield ace

Chelsea shift attention from Declan Rice to Boubakary Soumare

According to The Athletic (h/t Express), Chelsea have rekindled their interest in Lille midfielder Boubakary Soumare.

The Blues have enjoyed a brilliant transfer window. Chelsea have already brought in five first-team players who could all have a major impact on our chances this season.

The club’s business is far from done. It looked as if Chelsea would target a centre-back next, with West Ham United ace Declan Rice touted as the favourite.

As per the report, the Blues have now changed their plans and are no longer seeking a new centre-back. Frank Lampard is now keen to bring in a new holding midfielder.

The Blues boss’ decision is based on the belief that either Jorginho or N’Golo Kante could leave the club this summer. Rice plays as a defensive midfielder and also features high on the list.

However, it also takes us back to Soumare, who we were heavily linked with last January. The trail had since gone cold but looks to have picked up once again.

Chelsea scouts have already watched the Frenchman, who could be on his way out of Lille this summer. The same was confirmed by the club’s president Gerard Lopez.

The midfielder made 30 appearances for Lille last season. He also played in both of the club’s Champions League ties against Chelsea, giving the Blues hierarchy a first-hand look at his abilities.

Likened to French superstar Paul Pogba, Soumare is highly rated and has the potential to become a world-class midfielder. (h/t Football London)

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A major red flag could prove to be the player’s inability to contribute defensively. 

Of the 44 central midfielders to have amassed over 1,000 minutes in Ligue 1 last season, Soumare was placed 43rd for defensive duels per 90 minutes. He also picked up two red cards, which could call into question his temperament.

Whether Chelsea will make a move for the Frenchman remains to be seen.