Chelsea have reporetdly expressed the desire to sign RC Lens’s sought-after wing-back Jonathan Clauss this summer.
According to a report from La Voix Du Nord, Jonathan Clauss is staring at an uncertain future this summer. The French full-back has entered the final year of his contract at RC Lens, with the 29-year-old making it abundantly clear he won’t sign a contract extension at the Ligue 1 club.
Chelsea are among the clubs interested in securing the services of Clauss. They are joined by Atletico Madrid in the list of clubs looking to snap him ahead of the new season. Clauss is unlikely to cost a fortune either, although the player has suggested he won’t be leaving Lens just for the sake of it.
A right-back by trade, Clauss has enjoyed immense success since his move to Lens in the summer of 2020. At the age of 29, the full-back is a late bloomer of sorts, but he has impressed the onlookers with his technical prowess and ability to provide width out wide.
The Frenchman’s tally of eight goals and 18 assists for the Ligue 1 club this past season is indicative of his attacking prowess, making him an appealing option for Chelsea.
With Cesar Azpilicueta subjected to a move to Camp Nou, the Blues are in the market for a new right-back. Azpilicueta’s potential exit, after all, could leave Reece James as the only viable option in the position. Therefore, it is imperative Chelsea find a new option in the market as a competitor for the Englishman.
Jonathan Clauss fits the bill perfectly for Chelsea, given his attacking qualities and work rate out wide. His ability to excel in the wing-back role makes the 29-year-old an ideal fit for Thomas Tuchel’s tactical setup that revolves around the idea of wing-backs offering width to the table.
Chelsea have been linked with a move for FC Barcelona outcast Sergino Dest. But Clauss could be a safer option as he has enjoyed immense success in recent years, unlike the American international, who has struggled for prominence in Xavi’s tactical setup.
However, Chelsea must be mindful of the competition from Atletico Madrid. The Spanish giants are in a better position to guarantee regular game-time to the 29-year-old French international next season, as they have a vacancy at right-back following the January exit of Kieran Trippier. Given the fact that Clauss will consider game-time to be a crucial aspect at his next destination, a summer move to Atletico Madrid, to that end, cannot be ruled out.