Reports: Chelsea enter the race for Marcus Thuram
If reports from FootMercato are to be believed, Chelsea are considering Marcus Thuram as an attacking option in the January transfer window.
Having all-but snapped up Christopher Nkunku from the Bundesliga, the Blues are now set to weigh up a move for World Cup finalist Thuram.
The Borussia Monchengladbach forward’s contract expires this summer, with talks over an extension unlikely to materialize. In a market that’s inflated like never before, he could be available for as little as £13-15 million according to the above.
Thuram, who grabbed two vital assists for France in the World Cup, continues to torment Bundesliga defences this season. He already has 10 goals to his credit this term, as compared to 2021-22’s three.
There’s a strength to the way he enters the box. He has looked sharper, signalled by the number of times he’s made runs from the inside wing and outsmarted defenders. No player in the German top-flight has accumulated as much ‘xG’ as the Frenchman. Now 25, Thuram’s goal scoring prowess portrays the onset of his prime years.
Chelsea, meanwhile, have not beaten any side in the top half of the table. They’re 10 points off Champions League spots and are in pole position to nearly create an XI only of injury-ravaged players. Combine that with merely nine goals scored from their last 11 matches – a run that includes none against Manchester City, Arsenal, and Newcastle – and you get a grim reading of their situation in front of goal.
They’re linked with a host of flashy targets on all areas of the pitch, but in a season where the only aspect Chelsea are ahead of their competitors remains the amount of money spent on players, Thuram for a cut-price deal could be a steal.
Having seen his stock rise on the field astronomically this season, Thuram has attracted serious suitors from Europe, none more than Manchester United. The Red Devils need to replace Cristiano Ronaldo, as his departure left Anthony Martial as the only recognized striker in the squad.
For both clubs, this would be the best time to acquire the services of Marcus Thuram, who is enjoying his best ever senior season.
-Akarshak Roy
Twitter: @RoyAkarshak
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