Chelsea have reportedly enquired about the availability of AS Roma star Cengiz Under, who they are targeting as a potential replacement for Eden Hazard.
Turkish Football claim Chelsea are interested in Cengiz Under. The AS Roma star has emerged as the latest name on the Blues’ radar among candidates to replace Eden Hazard, who has been a long-term target for Real Madrid amid growing speculation over his future.
The report iterates that Chelsea have enquired about Under’s availability but there is no clarity as to the response they have received.
Cengiz Under has really made a name for himself since joining AS Roma in the summer of 2017. The 2018-19 campaign has seen him lap up 9 assists and 6 goals so far, which has brought forth interest from several Premier League clubs in recent months, with Chelsea the latest to be linked.
The Blues are in turmoil as far as their present situation is concerned. Currently sixth on the Premier League table, Maurizio Sarri’s job is under threat. But, what is even more imperative is the potential after-effect, should they fail to land a spot in the Champions League for the upcoming season.
Eden Hazard has already been hinting at a move, with Real Madrid always waiting to pounce. Should the Blues be unable to provide Champions League football for the second year in a row, it will be nigh impossible for them to retain the Belgian’s services beyond the summer of 2019.
There have been many names touted to be prime candidates to replace Eden Hazard at Chelsea over the last year or so. But, Cengiz Under is a surprising option. For one, Under is predominantly a central attacking midfielder, who heavily prefers the right side of the attack, the complete opposite of Hazard.
Granted, Under is a bit similar in terms of genuine playing style, with the 21-year-old always looking to cut inside and take long shots. But, apart from that, Under isn’t as much of a crafty dribbler and doesn’t take as many shots either when compared to Hazard.
Under though, can play on the left as well and the option of interchangeability could see him become the perfect fit at Chelsea. Even if we consider Under as a standalone pursuit and not one as a replacement for the Belgian, the 21-year-old could be needed at Stamford Bridge, especially with Willian and Pedro’s contracts set to expire in the summer of 2020 and the duo haven’t really been setting the Bridge alight recently.
It will be interesting to see if Chelsea do decide to follow up on their enquiry in the upcoming transfer window. AS Roma are currently in talks with Under to sign a new improved deal. Under though, is unlikely to be short of options, should he opt for a move in the summer.
