Danny Drinkwater has reportedly submitted a transfer request in order to force through a £40 million move to join Chelsea.
According to a report by The Mirror, Danny Drinkwater is keen to join Chelsea this summer, and has handed in a transfer request in an attempt to force a move to Stamford Bridge. The financial aspect is proving to be an issue with the Foxes holding out for £40 million, and the Blues are yet to meet that valuation.
However, the English midfielder is understood to be aware of Chelsea’s interest in him, and is quite determined to ensure he joins them. The move will certainly provide him with a lot more opportunities, while also giving him a chance to return to the coveted UEFA Champions League.
Drinkwater signed a new four-year contract with Leicester only last summer but Antonio Conte is believed to be quite impressed with his performances, and has identified him as an ideal addition for midfield. The England international also was a part of Leicester’s Premier League-winning squad in 2015/16.
While that season proved to be miraculous for the club and the player, 2016/17 was simply underwhelming. Drinkwater’s performances lacked conviction and he was merely average on several occasions. Much of that could be attributed to the fact that he missed the presence of N’Golo Kante ever who joined Chelsea.
Kante and Drinkwater had established a strong midfield partnership during the Foxes’ fairytale season. Once Kante exited the club though, the Englishman found himself short of support in that area. Additionally, he simply could not create the kind of understanding he had with Kante, with any other player.
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. Furthermore, 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.
The fact that Conte has to do without the services of Nemanja Matic has also added to the Blues’ midfield woes. Being able to deploy a tried-and-tested partnership in the form of Kante and Drinkwater can truly uplift Chelsea’s performances as they go about defending their title.
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 opportunity for the player. It now remains to be seen if the move sees the light of the day on deadline day.