Chelsea look set to strengthen their midfield in the summer transfer window. They have ben linked with a variety of midfielders over the past few weeks. These rumours have also come out in the wake of Enzo Fernandez’s recent activity, as the Argentine seems interested in a move away in the summer. Also, reports have suggested that the Blues are open to listening to offers for both Romeo Lavia and Andrey Santos.
From the outside looking in, Chelsea’s midfield seems like one of their strongest departments. It is the defence and the attack that need reinforcements first. But internally, the thought process might be different if these reports are anything to go by.
There has also been a lot of talk lately about signing Premier League-proven players. Behdad Egbahli himself has admitted that Chelsea need to bring in ready-made players.
Amid all this, it looks like Chelsea have a Sunderland midfielder on their radar. But at 21 years of age and 27 Premier League appearances to his name, one can question how ‘ready-made’ he actually is.
Chelsea hold talks to sign Sunderland midfielder
According to Sacha Tavolieri, Chelsea are continuing discussions for Noah Sadiki. New talks have taken place last week between the Blues’ management and the player’s camp to renew their interest. He remains well placed in the English club’s shortlist.
Sadiki has been a nailed-on starter for Sunderland, since arriving last summer. He has started all 27 Premier League games that he has been available for.
At the international level, the 21-year-old has played 18 times for DR Congo. And before Sunderland, he made more than 100 appearances for Union SG and also played on 19 occasions for Anderlecht. So, the midfielder does have some experience under his belt already.
Will Sadiki be the right choice for Chelsea’s midfield?
Considering how things have turned out over the past four seasons, Chelsea fans are bound to raise their eyebrows every time BlueCo target a youngster moving forward. That being said, there is some serious quality out there.
Sadiki has neither scored nor assisted this season. So, we know he is not gonna come in and contribute going forward. But defensively, he could add some steel in the middle of the park.
He is a good reader of the game and is in the 87th percentile for interceptions. He can also win back possession consistently. And under pressure, he is a very capable dribbler. He is 93rd percentile in terms of successful dribbles and has a 59.5% dribbling success rate, which puts him in the 74th percentile.
He does have his weaknesses as well though. Other than his output, he also wins just 33.3% of his aerial duels, which is something oppositions could target. Chelsea already have their fair share of issues aerially.
Is Sadiki someone who will come in and be a game-changer for Chelsea? I do not think so. But he can be a solid addition to this team, especially if they part ways with some of their current midfielders in the summer. Of course, a lot will depend on the kind of transfer fee Sunderland want.
