Chelsea have approached Leeds United star Tyler Adams’ entourage in a relentless bid to strengthen their depleted midfield.
Currently at crossroads with Brighton and Hove Albion in the Moises Caicedo deal, the Blues are understood to be exploring other options, with the USMNT skipper emerging as a viable candidate.
The report comes from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who stated that Chelsea are contemplating a £20 million release clause trigger in the coming days.
The Whites’ relegation from the Premier League means Adams has attracted interest from several clubs, including Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, and now Chelsea.
The 24-year-old only made the switch from RB Leipzig to Elland Road last season, finishing a truncated first term in English football with 26 appearances and a hamstring injury in March. The race for him with less than a week to go, typifies his quality and leadership acumen at a relatively young age. Especially since he doesn’t return to action until September.
Leeds will have their work cut out for them if they want to convince him to stay put, as Tyler Adams is a bullish, sturdy defensive midfielder with ample experience in Europe as well as on the big international stage.
He has a knack for winning the ball and breaking between the lines with his range of passing. Which also explains why Chelsea, who currently have Enzo Fernandez, Conor Gallagher, and an array of attack-minded young midfielders, are monitoring him.
Chelsea are supposedly dealing separately for Caicedo. With Brighton – who are demanding £100m for their man – proving to be a tough nut to crack, it appears that an agreement is some distance away.
All said and done, the Blues will have to act quickly in the market. Romeo Lavia is closer to Liverpool than to any other team, while Edson Alvarez has agreed to personal terms with West Ham.
The price shouldn’t be a block for Chelsea, however, the project, mainly where Tyler Adams would fit in Mauricio Pochettino’s plans, remains to be seen.
The Argentine coach will hope to have at least one if not two number 5s before Chelsea lock horns with Liverpool on the 13th of August at Stamford Bridge.
-Roy Akarshak
Twitter: @RoyAkarshak
Photo: Hayden Schiff. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.