Transfer rumor: Chelsea interested in signing Danny Drinkwater
Chelsea have parted ways with midfielder Nemanja Matic, sending him to Manchester United. Now it seems they are shifting their focus to filling a spot in their midfield, and reports are pointing toward Leicester’s Danny Drinkwater.
Chelsea are looking to fill a spot in their midfield lineup after the sale of Nemanja Matic to Manchester United. With N’Golo Kante effectively filling the role as defensive midfield, Antonio Conte is shifting his focus to Leicester midfielder Danny Drinkwater.
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Things happened quickly, and many were surprised that Conte was willing to let Matic go to United. But with reports surfacing that they have interest in Drinkwater, and Kante to play defensive midfielder, it is less than surprising.
Chelsea interested in signing Danny Drinkwater from Leicester City. He's one of midfielders they're looking at. Drinkwater is not for sale
— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) July 31, 2017
Drinkwater, 27, was an pivotal part of the unexpected title-winning season Leicester had two seasons ago. Despite finishing 12th in their title defense, Drinkwater still performed well for most of the season.
In 29 appearances in the Premier League last season, with only two coming from the bench, Drinkwater hit on 77.4 percent of his passes, completed 2.9 tackles per 90 minutes, 1.3 interceptions per 90 and 1.6 dribbles. This only goes to show how effectively Drinkwater can play defensive midfield, and he is a solid replacement for the newly-departed Matic.
Drinkwater also performed relatively well, relevant to expectations, in the Champions League last season. He completed 78.7 percent of his passes in 10 appearances, completed 2.3 tackles per 90, 2.6 interceptions per 90, had 2.7 clearances per 90 and completed 1.3 dribbles per 90. Although he wasn’t a world-beater, he proved he can compete at the highest level of European competition admirably.
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If Chelsea are to chase after the signature of Drinkwater, and they are able to complete it, he will very likely accompany Kante in the defensive midfielder role. Antonio Conte will be keeping his eye on Drinkwater, and updates on this rumor are sure to come soon.