Leicester City midfielder Danny Drinkwater is reportedly set to force an exit to join Chelsea having been targeted by the Blues
According to a report by The Mirror, Danny Drinkwater is keen on joining Chelsea this summer with the Blues interested in the 27-year-old midfielder. Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is an ardent admirer of the England international and is understood to be quite impressed with his work rate and reading of the game.
The fact that Nemanja Matic has joined Manchester United will only further accentuate Chelsea’s need for more depth in midfield, thus making Drinkwater an ideal target. Although Chelsea have already splurged on a deal for Tiemoue Bakayoko from AS Monaco, Conte is keen on adding more depth to midfield.
Drinkwater signed a new four-year contract with Leicester City only last summer, which will make it unlikely for Leicester to agree to a deal in the first place. However, the transfer window so far has seen some pretty shocking deals and, hence, it will come as no surprise if Conte manages to sign the player.
The England international was a part of Leicester City’s Premier League-winning squad in 2015/16. While that season proved to be miraculous for the club, 2016/17 was simply underwhelming. Drinkwater’s performances, too, were average as he endured a significant dip in form.
What needs to be noted is that Drinkwater partnered exceptionally well with N’Golo Kante at the King Power Stadium in 2015/16. Chelsea signed the Frenchman last summer with the player winning the Player of the Year award this past season.
Suffice to say, Kante’s performances have truly uplifted Chelsea. He has been a rock at the centre of the park for the Foxes, establishing himself as a key member in Conte’s squad. He has lived up to his billing and had a major part to play in Chelsea’s fortunes last season.
Thus, a move for Drinkwater can strengthen Chelsea’s midfield further with the player forging a proven and strong partnership at the heart of midfield in the past.
If the deal goes through, this could be a good move for Drinkwater since he will be making a step up to one of the best clubs in Europe while also having the chance to play in the Champions League. Although Leicester improved their form under Craig Shakespeare, Chelsea can provide a lot more for Drinkwater to further his career, and a deal could be a good chance for the player.