With Xabi Alonso coming in, it is expected that the transfer business this summer will be driven by him. The Spaniard has been appointed as manager, and not head coach, to show the extra control and say that he is going to have on matters. And it looks like he wants to bring in someone who he failed to do so while at Real Madrid.
Of course, a lot is going to depend on the players who end up leaving. Marc Cucurella is someone who could be on his way out. He has been constantly linked with a move to Barcelona and Atletico Madrid in recent times.
If Cucurella does leave, then Chelsea will be missing that experience and proven quality on the left flank. Yes, they have Jorrel Hato, but is he ready to be a starter? Also, there would be no depth there at all. So, a replacement would need to be signed. A Juventus player is on their radar.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Chelsea are interested, with Alonso on the bench, having already reportedly wanted Andrea Cambiaso last year at Real Madrid. The club are dealing with doubts over Cucurella’s future, and the Juventus player would represent the ideal replacement. The headline also mentions a ‘possible offer’.
Who is Andrea Cambiaso?
There has been all this talk about Chelsea going for proven and experienced players this summer. Well, Cambiaso would certainly fit that definition.
He is 26 years old. He is a nailed-on starter for Juventus, who he joined in the summer of 2022, and has made 19 appearances for the Italian national team as well.
Obviously, many will point out that this has been a down period for both teams. But that is not a reflection of Cambiaso’s quality.
He was wanted by Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. And while that did not happen, now it looks like Chelsea have set their sights on the Italian international.
Where would Cambiaso fit in at Chelsea?
Cambiaso can play as a left-back but he is at his best as a wing-back. That is the role in which his strengths are highlighted.
His two biggest strengths are clear. He is an excellent passer of the ball. No positional peer in Serie A has completed more passes or created more chances than Cambiaso. But he holds more than his own in the defensive side of the game as well, winning the ball in the final 3rd more than anybody else. He is in the 90th percentile and beyond in many other metrics.
Combine that with his ability to contribute with both goals and assists, and you have a pretty unique profile on your hands.
Of course, he does have his limitations as well. Cambiaso is not someone who is very efficient with carrying the ball. He does not win many of his aerial duels either, which could be a problem for Chelsea, who already struggle in that department.
