Chelsea and Manchester United have reportedly entered the race for Olympique Lyonnais midfielder Tanguy Ndombele, already a target for Manchester City.
The Mirror are speculating the entry of Chelsea and Manchester United in the race to sign Lyon midfielder Tanguy Ndombele. The young French star has already been linked with a move to the Premier League, with Manchester City already harbouring wishes to bring the player over to England.
Ndombele is the latest quintessential central midfielder to emerge in France. The player was hailed as the next N’Golo Kante. His start to the 2018-19 season at Lyon has strengthened the comparisons, with the midfielder not only being a regular for the club but also receiving his senior bow for France in October, 2018.
It is interesting to note that Ndombele was linked with a move to the Premier League in the summer transfer window as well. But, his performances and the fact that he has now become a full-fledged French international will only lend to the rumours. Manchester City were recently linked, with Chelsea and Manchester United now entering the race as well.
Chelsea had explored the possibility of bringing Ndombele to the Premier League in the summer as well, with N’Golo Kante emerging as a target for PSG. For now, Chelsea’s midfield seems to be performing well, with Mateo Kovacic becoming the crucial third cog in Sarri’s tactical 4-3-3.
While a January move is unlikely from Chelsea, in case Kante leaves or Mateo Kovacic ends up not making his move to Chelsea permanent, we could see the Blues pursue Ndombele’s signature.
Manchester United snapped up Fred ahead of Manchester City in the summer. The Brazilian is slowly being inculcated into the setup. On the other hand, Paul Pogba has also dismissed rumours linking him to Barcelona to an extent.
Nemanja Matic though, has been indifferent of late, on the pitch and judging by Jose Mourinho’s comments after the 2-1 win over Everton, the Portuguese is looking forward to the reopening of the transfer window. A centre-back is the priority but Mourinho could delve into the market for an enforcer in midfield, one who can command the position in the long run at Manchester United.
As far as Manchester City are concerned, they chose not to move hurriedly in the market after their botched moves for Jorginho and Fred. Instead, Pep Guardiola has remained patient, scouring more talent. Ndombele was already a target.
But, his performance in Lyon’s deserving win over Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League Group Stage might just have made up his and City’s mind about the 20-year-old.
Tottenham remain interested as well and could be an ideal place for Ndombele, with the likes of Vincent Wanyama and Mousa Dembele being linked with moves away from the club.
Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham are all bracing themselves for a transfer battle for the next midfield sensation to emerge in France. Lyon will not let Ndombele off easily though, having rejected bids of upto £40 million in the summer itself.