da roleta： According to reports in The Telegraph, Chelsea are monitoring the situation of Leicester City winger Riyad Mahrez as they look for a replacement for the injured Eden Hazard.
What’s the word, then?
da winzada777： Well, Blues manager Antonio Conte had been keen to strengthen his squad and attacking options this summer anyway with next term’s fixture list set to be more congested after the club returned to the Champions League, but it will have become more of a priority after Hazard broke his ankle while on international duty with Belgium.
The injury is likely to keep the 26-year-old out for up to three months and he is almost certain to miss the start of the season.
It means the Italian is looking for a left-sided player and he is said to be keen on Mahrez, as well as Juventus’ Alex Sandro.
How did Mahrez do this season?
As we all know, the Algerian was the PFA Player of the Year in the 2015/16 season after helping Leicester City to an incredible Premier League title triumph by scoring 17 goals and providing a further 10 assists in 37 top flight appearances.
It was always going to be difficult for the 26-year-old and the Foxes to replicate that form this term and it proved to be the case as Mahrez ended the campaign with six goals and four assists.
Despite that drop in form, the Blues will know how good the winger can be following some outstanding performances previously.
Would he be a good signing for Chelsea?
He certainly could be, yes.
If Conte is looking for a tricky player who has proven that he has the final product too, then he would do a lot worse than to make a move for Mahrez.
The Algeria international is very similar to Hazard in terms of style of play, and he could make a real difference in place of and as competition for the Belgian and Pedro on the opposite flank next season.
How much would he cost?
Leicester are said to have set his asking price at £50m but with Chelsea unlikely to want to pay that much and with Mahrez believing he has a verbal agreement with the Foxes that he can join a Champions League club this summer, the fee could surely be negotiated.
What’s the verdict, then?
Well, Mahrez clearly wants out at Leicester this summer and Chelsea need a new winger, but if the Foxes are determined about their asking price then Antonio Conte may feel that he could get better value elsewhere, with Juventus said to want nearer to £45m for the versatile Alex Sandro.