Chelsea Set Their Sights On Ligue 1 Enforcer As Alternative To Paul Pogba

The opening of the summer transfer window is fast approaching so we’ll bring you all the latest transfer rumours and gossip from around the globe. Today, Chelsea are linked with Blaise Matuidi….

Chelsea have turned their attention to Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Blaise Matuidi after accepting defeat in their pursuit of Paul Pogba this summer, according to the Express.

New boss Antonio Conte isn’t due to officially take charge at Stamford Bridge until after he’s fulfilled his duties with the Italian squad at Euro 2016 but it looks as though the 46-year-old has already started planning for life in West London.

Conte is expected to be extremely active in the market as he needs to overhaul the Chelsea squad after a disastrous season that saw them relinquish their Premier League title without a fight and they’re on course to finish mid-table and out of the European qualification places.

It looks like central midfield is an area Conte is wanting to strengthen as the Express are citing reports coming out of Italy that claim Chelsea have set their sights on signing Paris Saint-Germain enforcer Blaise Matuidi.

The newspaper suggests that Conte is targetting the French international after accepting defeat in his pursuit of top target Paul Pogba, who’s set to stay at Juventus, while a move for Roma’s Radja Nainggolan is also proving difficult.

Therefore, the Express believe that Chelsea have now turned their attention to Matuidi as Conte looks to add some strength to his midfield in order to offer more protection to the defense having watched the Blues ship 51 league goals this season.

Nemanja Matic’s future at Stamford Bridge is in serious doubt after the Serbian international lost his place following a disappointing campaign so it looks as though Matuidi is being eyed as a replacement.

The 29-year-old has forged a reputation as one of the best all-round midfielders in Europe during his five years at PSG and I think he’s got all the attributes needed to be a real success in the Premier League.