Paqueta, Ward-Prowse & 7 more top midfielders Chelsea might want to pluck from relegation fodder

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Paqueta, Ward-Prowse & 7 more top midfielders Chelsea might want to pluck from relegation fodder

Chelsea are likely to be in the market for a new midfielder this summer with futures on N'Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic uncertain.

There are many options the Blues could look at with many talented players facing a prospect of being relegated from the Premier League.

Southampton: James Ward-Prowse and Romeo Lavia

28-year-old England international Ward-Prowse is a brilliant set piece taker who also manages to play a decent number of progressive passes, which is even more impressive given how poor the Saints have been this season.

In a tumbledown Southampton side, JWP has 9 goals and 3 assists this season which is more than decent. He's also barely ever injured and tends to play 90 minutes every game. If the Saints are relegated, his status of a one-club man will be challenged.

Belgian talent Lavia, who has recently turned 19 years old, is already renowned for his defensive ability, something that Graham Potter will surely appreciate.

Wolves: Ruben Neves

26-year-old Neves has been at Wolves for years and it could be time for him to move a bigger club. The Portuguese is a great all-around midfielder whose biggest strengths are his passing and long-range strikes.

His contract lasts until June 2024 so this summer may be Wolves' last opportunity to get a decent fee for the Portuguese who has established himself as a club legend.

Everton: Amadou Onana

Onana has probably been Everton's best player this season, impressing with his aerial skills and tackling. It's hard to see the Toffees go down under Sean Dyche though — especially due to the 21-year-old's key strength of protecting the backline.

West Ham: Declan Rice

Declan Rice has been heavily linked to Chelsea, as well as other major Premier League clubs and not without reason. Although it's hard to look past his hefty price tag, which Moyes believes will have to be a "British transfer record," West Ham may be forced to cash in for less if they do get relegated.

Some of Rice's key stats are fantastic, for instance his interceptions and pass completion are both above the 91st percentile, just what you want in a defensive midfielder.

Even more impressive are his progressive passes as well as carries, meaning he is vital when it comes to moving the ball up the pitch and isn't just a sideways passer.

West Ham: Lucas Paqueta

25-year-old Paqueta was expected to make an impact at West Ham thanks to his dribbling skills and the ability to play through balls.

He's yet to find his feet with the Hammers (who are really struggling this year) but last season he managed 11 goals and 7 assists for Lyon.

Leicester City: Youri Tielemans, James Maddison and Boubakary Soumare

Tielemans is an option Chelsea should consider even if Leicester stay up given how his contract expires this summer. The 25-year-old is simply excellent when it comes to moving the ball, passing and long strikes.

Just like his team, Tielemans isn't quite firing but last term he clocked a solid 7 goals and 5 assists in all competitions.

Maddison is an interesting one: even though Chelsea may not quite have a position that suits him, it's still James Maddison! His fantastic free-kicks and dribbling ability will surely be an addition at Stamford Bridge.

24-year-old Soumare might look a simple type of player on the surface but the Frenchman's impact when it comes to tackling and stopping attacks should not be underestimated.

AuthorGeorgy TsepkovskiySourceTribuna.com
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