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Chelsea Manager Maurizio Sarri Reportedly Wants Matias Vecino Transfer
July 24, 2018
Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri has reportedly made a "precise request" to sign Inter Milan midfielder Matias Vecino.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Tom Coast of Sport Witness), the new Blues boss wants to strengthen his options in midfield further following the acquisition of Jorginho from Napoli and has eyed the Uruguay international as a target.
While Chelsea are said to want to bring Vecino to London, it's suggested that Tiemoue Bakayoko may make the switch to Inter as part of any potential deal for the player. The Milan giants are said to be seeking a "motor" in the middle of the park.
After Sarri was eventually appointed as Chelsea boss following a summer of speculation, the Blues are set for a busy end to the transfer market.
With the window poised to close on August 9, there isn't too much time for the new coach to shape his squad either. As noted by the Daily Telegraph, there is still plenty of speculation surrounding the futures of key men like Eden Hazard, Willian and Thibaut Courtois too.
The Blues supporters can at least be encouraged by the fact that the one signing they've made so far appears to be a smart one, with Jorginho impressing on his debut for the club on Monday against Perth Glory. Per the Evening Standard, the Italian is like a magnet to the ball:
Vecino is a different type of player, earning a reputation as more of a midfield enforcer than a playmaker during his time in Serie A.
The 26-year-old has only spent a year at Inter following a summer switch from Fiorentina. Vecino was a first-team regular for the Nerazzurri, too, playing an important role in the side that finished fourth in the Italian top flight, thus securing UEFA Champions League football for the club next season.
Vecino is something of an all-rounder. The Uruguayan is strong on the ball, can chip in with goals when he does burst forward and is switched on to his defensive duties. Given the physical manner in which he plays the game, he would also potentially be ideal for the Premier League.
As we can see courtesy of OptaJavier, the Inter man was happy to seize responsibility in midfield for Uruguay on the biggest stage this summer:
Chelsea are blessed with options in midfield. Aside from Jorginho and Bakayoko, Sarri can also call on N'Golo Kante, Cesc Fabregas, Ross Barkley and Danny Drinkwater. Ruben Loftus-Cheek will also be back at the club again following his loan move to Crystal Palace last term.
Given Bakayoko failed to settle in English football in his debut campaign, the prospect of a deal involving him and Vecino trading places may be to the benefit of both players. Still, at this point in the window Chelsea have far more pressing matters to attend to and other key areas in the side that should be strengthened as a greater priority.