Why Chelsea signing Miralem Pjanic would be an absolute waste
According to the Sun, Juventus midfielder Miralem Pjanic could join Frank Lampard’s Chelsea, which possibly could see N’Golo Kante leave Stamford Bridge.
Pjanic has been involved in 7 goals, having scored 3 and assisted 4 in 22 games so far this season. The Bosnian international can be a creative addition to any side he represents. Pjanic has shown he has all-round abilities and a great eye for goal. But is a move to Chelsea the right thing for the player and the club?
Should the Blues go after Miralem Pjanic and let go of Kante?
Pjanic is a great player and has won many titles at Juventus. He can be a great addition to the Chelsea midfield but the player would not have much to offer as a replacement for Kante.
Kante has played with the team and in the Premier League. He is very well adapted to it. But on the other hand, the Bosnian hasn’t played in the Premier League before. The 29-year-old French international has regularly featured for the blues this season and has been a fan favourite.
Moreover, Pjanic and Kante are different players altogether. Kante is more defensive, while one can see Pjanic operate at the top of the midfield at Juventus, searching for space and attacking in the final third too.
Pjanic in and Kante out will just be Chelsea bringing in a midfielder to partner with Jorginho with no Premier League experience. And both the players are very similar in terms of operating in the top of the midfield, creating passes and searching for space.
There is no need for Chelsea to strengthen the midfield as they already have quality and depth. There were concerns on the wing with Willian leaving but the club have already addressed it with the signing of Hakim Ziyech.
The Kante trouble
While it is best for Chelsea to opt-out of buying Pjanic, there are a couple of concerns.
Kante has spent a lot of time on the sidelines nursing his injuries. It remains to be seen if the player could recapture his form and be at his best. The growing concern of his form and repeated injuries could very well mean the player might have played his best and is now past his peak.
Plenty of signs have been pointing towards the end of Kante at Stamford Bridge. Should Chelsea make the best of this situation and offload the midfield star? It is a question for another debate.
Verdict
As far as Pjanic is concerned, Chelsea have a lot of players in the likes of Mason Mount, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Mateo Kovacic, Ross Barkley, Jorginho and Lewis Barker. With these many names, Chelsea are well-stocked until they sell, and they do not require a new player. Hence, it would be a waste if they buy Pjanic.