Chelsea advancing with move for Reda Belahyane | OneFootball

Chelsea are reportedly advancing with a move for Hellas Verona midfielder Reda Belahyane as they look to bring in reinforcements for the engine room, according to Gianluca DiMarzio.

The Blues are without Romeo Lavia and have let Renato Veiga leave Stamford Bridge for Juventus. Cesare Casadei is also on his way out of Chelsea for Torino.

Chelsea need midfield additions and have identified Belahyane as a target. The west Londoners are reportedly trying to close out a deal worth around €15 million, including bonuses.

Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez have been Chelsea’s first-choice starting midfield duo under Enzo Maresca. However, there are no alternative options. Belahyane, who has impressed in Serie A, can slot into either man’s position.

The 20-year-old has won 29% of his aerial and 51% of his ground duels while making 0.5 interceptions per game. The one-cap Moroccan international is a fantastic midfield prospect.

Chelsea don’t need Belahyane

Chelsea have spent the past three years chucking their team full of prospects and talented footballers, and Belahyane feels like another unnecessary addition who does not move the needle.

The young midfielder is still finding his footing in Serie A, and moving to Chelsea this early will stunt his development, leaving him frustrated behind the pecking order.

Also, Chelsea need height and physicality in their engine room and Belahyane, with his minuscule build, does not fit the bill.

The best move would have been to bring Lesley Ugochukwu back from his loan at Southampton. The Frenchman had a great pre-season and looked set to help the Chelsea first team before they inexplicably let him leave.

His height, duel-winning ability, and physicality in midfield are what the Blues are sorely lacking and bringing him back would be a smarter move than spending another €15 million on a player who doesn’t improve this Chelsea team.