Transfer News: Chelsea outbid Barcelona in the race for PSG star Layvin Kurzawa
According to Spanish outlet El Nacional (h/t Mirror), Chelsea are said to have outbid Spanish giants Barcelona in their attempt to bring Paris Saint Germain defender Layvin Kurzawa to Stamford Bridge.
Kurzawa is said to be looking for a move away from the French capital to gain more game time, and it appears that Chelsea and Barcelona are the frontrunners to sign the player. The former AS Monaco man has hardly featured for PSG this season and is behind summer signing Nuno Mendes in the PSG pecking order.
Chelsea are in the market for a new left-sided defender this January following Ben Chilwell‘s season-ending injury against Juventus back in November. Kurzawa has been identified as a potential option for the Blues as to look to address their full-back concerns.
Kurzawa has not featured for PSG in the league this season and has made just one appearance for the French giants across all competitions. The Frenchman will be desperate to leave the Parc des Princes in order to play regular football at the highest level. Given that Chelsea and Barcelona are keen, he is not short of options either.
The Catalan giants are also looking for a new left-back, as their new manager, Xavi Hernandez wants to sign a top player who could provide competition for Jordi Alba. However, they seem to have suffered a blow in their attempts to sign Kurzawa, as Chelsea are reported to have outbid them.
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is also said to be keen on signing the PSG defender, having identified Kurzawa as a great candidate to arrive at Stamford Bridge. The Blues are said to move for the defender this month itself, with the January transfer window already underway.
With Chelsea looking for replacements for Chilwell at left-back, Kurzawa’s name being touted as an option would excite Blues fans. The defender is an experienced head who has prior experience of impressing at the top level.
Kurzawa is an attack-minded left-back, and the player is sure to fit in with Tuchel’s system, running up and down the left flank as he seeks to not only shield the defence but also provide ample supply for our strikers. The German manager is well aware of the 29-year-old’s traits having managed him during his time in Paris.
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With Marcos Alonso the only senior left-back available at the club, Kurzawa’s arrival would provide comfort to Tuchel as he is desperate for defensive cover this month. The German is also missing Reece James in his lineup, with the right-back also ruled out with injury for the near future.
The news about Chelsea outbidding Barcelona is encouraging, and we can hope to sign Kurzawa at the earliest and plug in our gap at left-back soon.