Chelsea targeting Grzegorz Krychowiak instead of Danny Drinkwater with PSG star available for much less than Leicester ace
Antonio Conte keen on signing another central midfielder and could be able to land PSG anchorman on bargain loan deal
DANNY DRINKWATER’S move to Chelsea has stalled over a £40m fee.
And this could result in the Premier League champions pursuing the option of PSG’s Grzegorz Krychowiak.
Drinkwater, 27, is wanted by the Blues but they are a long way from Leicester’s valuation.
Chelsea have already had a bid rejected last week worth just under £20m.
But Foxes reckon Drinkwater is worth around £40m in the current market – the same valuation placed upon star playmaker Riyad Mahrez.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Krychowiak has emerged as an alternative for Antonio Conte to bolster his midfield.
The Poland international, 27, will be allowed to leave the French giants on loan as they shape their squad following Neymar’s arrival.
Chelsea could land the ex-Sevilla star for the season and ease the pressure on N’Golo Kante, Cesc Fabregas and Tiemoue Bakayoko in central midfield.
He has also played in defence which would add options for Conte, who is struggling for numbers in his squad.
Arsene Wenger has been a long-term admirer of Krychowiak and there is competition now he is on the market.
West Ham are among the Premier League clubs interested, with Lyon, Zenit St Petersburg, Valencia and Fiorentina also looking for deals.
Chelsea have also been impressed with Idrissa Gueye’s form at Everton since arriving from Aston Villa a year ago.
Gueye’s statistics last season were comparable to Kante’s, with the Senegal international performing more tackles (135).
He was also only one behind the Chelsea midfielder’s 81 interceptions made throughout the campaign.