Transfer News: Chelsea keen on signing Portuguese PL star in January window

Chelsea interested in signing Ruben Neves in the January transfer window 

According to transfer news on TodoFichajes (h/t Mirror), Chelsea are keen on luring Ruben Neves from Wolves. 

Ruben Neves‘ spell at Wolverhampton Wanderers has been an overall success. The 24-year-old has bagged 21 goals and 11 assists in 194 appearances for the Wanderers. This season, the Portuguese midfielder has developed into a critical player for the squad and is arguably one of the top midfielders in England right now.

Ruben Neves could bolster Thomas Tuchel's midfield options at Chelsea. (Credit: Athletic)
Ruben Neves could bolster Thomas Tuchel’s midfield options at Chelsea. (Credit: Athletic)

Neves’ consistent performances have caught the eyes of Chelsea in recent times. It is believed that Thomas Tuchel’s team are eyeing to sign him in the January transfer window. While Bruno Lage’s side has valued the talented midfielder at £38m, it wouldn’t be the most exorbitant amount of money Marina Granovskaia’s board would have paid to get a player to Stamford Bridge.

Recent matches have shown how vulnerable Thomas Tuchel’s midfield is. Chelsea were already coping with the absence of N’Golo Kanté and Mateo Kovačić and Jorginho’s physical discomfort made things difficult for Thomas Tuchel. 

Furthermore, the incompetence of Saúl Ñíguez and Ross Barkley has shrunk down the options for the German manager. The duo is really not showing anything concrete for the former PSG boss to hand them regular starts in midfield.

Ruben Neves can take some pressure off from Knate and Jorginho. (imago Images)
Ruben Neves can take some pressure off from Knate and Jorginho. (imago Images)

Chelsea have only managed to win 2 of their last seven matches, and some serious concerns are starting to emerge. After the Covid surge in the team, the former Dortmund manager was obliged to use some of his midfielders in the attacking zones. Thus, defensive players like Reece James and Trevoh Chalobah had to fill up positions in the midfield. 

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Ruben Neves could help tackle a similar situation in the future if Chelsea complete the signing in January. The 24-year-old has a lot of experience playing in England. Therefore, he would not really need a lot of time to get grips with English conditions.

His arrival would also release pressure from Kante and Jorginho, who have been relentless in the last few seasons. The duo isn’t getting any younger and it would be wise if we sort out the successor to at least one of them already.