With Jordy Clasie’s Southampton future very much up in the air, the Saints will need a new defensive midfielder this summer.
One man who could potentially fill that void is former England youth international Nathaniel Chalobah, who is fresh from helping England to the semi-finals of the Under-21 European Championships.
The 22-year-old, who is an academy graduate from the Blues, is reportedly weighing up his options, having struggled to make his mark on the first team last season, despite being a member of the squad. As a result, Watford are reportedly keen on him.
It feels like the versatile midfielder has been around for far too long to just be 22, but that’s because during his ever professional season five years ago he made over 40 appearances, incidentally on loan at Watford.
But the Hornets shouldn’t be the only side trying to squeeze him away from Chelsea’s clutches, in fact the Saints should at least show some intent to bring the man to the south coast.
Whilst some fans may shake their heads at this proposition, Southampton would be signing a young, talented Chelsea man who has struggled to make his mark on the first team. Sound familiar?
Despite Nathan Ake’s big-money move to fellow south-coast side Bournemouth, Chelsea have shown a reputation for letting their young players leave for relatively modest fees, with Bertrand Traore joining Lyon as recently as this week for just £9 million.
But Southampton fans will remember how – since 2013 – they have managed to sign duo Ryan Bertrand and Oriol Romeu for around £15 million collectively, both to widely-covered success.
If the Saints could manage to bring in the Englishman for a fee similar to that of Traore’s, it would be good business in today’s market. It would cover the potential loss of Jordy Clasie will someone who not has league experience, but has room to improve – it’s not as ridiculous as one may think.
In addition to possessing good pace and strength, Chalobah can also play as a makeshift centre-back when needed, meaning he could add a needed sense of versatility to the current Southampton side.
He might not be anyone’s first choice, including the scouts, but if a cut-price deal is on offer than Southampton shouldn’t dismiss it without some kind of interest.