Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic, one of the mainstays for Antonio Conte this season, has reportedly been offered to Barcelona.
Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo are claiming that Barcelona could be the next destination for Serbian international Nemanja Matic. The industrious Chelsea midfielder has reportedly been offered to Barcelona, who are considering moving for the player in the summer as a cover for Sergio Busquets.
Nemanja Matic has had a very mixed relation with Chelsea. The Serbian signed for the Blues, only to find himself out on loan to Vitesse and was ultimately sold to SL Benfica for a fee under the £5 million mark. But Jose Mourinho’s second stint at Chelsea also saw Matic return, as the Portuguese signed the player again.
But this time Matic became an indelible part of the first-team setup at Stamford Bridge and despite a relatively cold last season, the Serbian has gone about his business as the partner to the tireless N’Golo Kante with aplomb. The player has silenced his critics of last season with his performances this season.
So much so that Chelsea, who were ready to sell the player at the start of the season, have now re-positioned themselves, with the Blues now considering a contract renewal for the Serbian. However, as per Mundo Deportivo, the player’s services has been offered to Barcelona.
BARCELONA are reportedly eyeing Chelsea star Nemanja Matic should they fail to sign Marco Verratti.(mundo deportivo) pic.twitter.com/UMReJDwBaD
— RumorsTransfers 24/7 (@rumorstransfers) March 15, 2017
Nemanja Matic, in all fairness, is a similar player to Sergio Busquets, with their skill-sets almost an identical match. Barcelona have struggled to perform in the games that Busquets has not featured. And, the addition of Nemanja Matic could well act as the perfect cover to the Spaniard.
The Serbian, in fact, provides more to the attacking front than his Spanish counterpart, which could relieve some pressure off the MSN trio, something Barcelona have been meaning to do in order to curb the over-reliance on the attacking trio.
Nemanja Matic himself was set to exit Stamford Bridge. But, his newfound stature of an undisputed starter alongside N’Golo Kante in the middle of the pitch may convince him to stay longer. However, Chelsea are sure to reinforce heavily in the midfield, which could see Matic drop down the pecking order next season.
Barcelona could do with a player of Matic’s caliber in the squad. A deal could happen in the summer if Chelsea find proper additions to their midfield and if Barcelona fail to do the same.
