After disrupting Arsenal’s plans in January, Chelsea are reportedly targeting Liverpool as the next target of a transfer hijack..
The Blues are debating whether to give Liverpool the same treatment by beating them to the signing of Wolves midfielder Matheus Nunes.
Graham Potter wants to bolster his midfield options this month, and Todd Boehly is ready to back him up after spending over £400 million as Chelsea owner in the last two transfer windows.
However, he has been unsuccessful in pursuing two top targets, Benfica’s Enzo Fernandez and Brighton and Hove Albion’s Moises Caicedo.
Both clubs are seeking fees in excess of £100 million to offload their prized assets before the winter deadline, prompting Chelsea to look elsewhere..
And, whether it’s for January or the summer, the west Londoners have identified Nunes as a possible replacement, posing a threat to Liverpool.
Chelsea, according to the Mail, have added Nunes to their midfield shortlist and are preparing to compete with Liverpool for his signature.
Jurgen Klopp has prioritized refreshing his midfield ranks this summer, and the 24-year-old is at the top of his wishlist.
Liverpool are expected to lead the charge to sign Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund.
However, with Champions League qualification for next season in doubt due to a poor Premier League campaign, the Merseyside giants may be forced to accept defeat..
And, with James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Naby Keita all set to leave on free transfers in July, Nunes appears to be Klopp’s preferred alternative, if not a target alongside Bellingham.
Chelsea, on the other hand, could replicate their last-minute swoop for Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk, completing an £88m deal after he appeared certain to join Arsenal.
Last summer, Liverpool turned down the opportunity to sign Nunes before he joined Wolves in a club-record £38 million transfer from Sporting CP.
That could be on his mind if Chelsea confirms their interest in the Portugal international this month or at the end of his first season in England..
Chelsea have flaunted their financial clout under Boehly’s regime, and with Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group looking for investment, they may be unwilling to compete.
With Jorginho set to leave when his contract expires in July and N’Golo Kante’s injury woes worsening at the age of 31, Potter may look for a midfielder even if he strengthens the position in January.
Nunes will be on his wishlist, potentially leaving Liverpool in the same predicament as Arsenal..
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