Report: Chelsea Eyeing £25m Move to Sign Spurs-Linked Serie A Defender | OneFootball

Chelsea and Spurs Remain Locked in Battle for Patrick Dorgu Despite New Contract

Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are engaged in a fierce pursuit of Lecce’s highly-regarded left-back Patrick Dorgu. Despite the Danish teenager recently penning a contract extension with the Serie A side, both Premier League giants remain undeterred in their quest to secure his services. Dorgu, who caught the eye with a stellar breakthrough season in Italy, now finds himself at the centre of a heated transfer battle.

Patrick Dorgu: A Rising Star in European Football

At just 19 years of age, Patrick Dorgu is already being touted as one of the most promising young full-backs in European football. Having made 32 appearances for Lecce in Serie A last season and notching two goals, the Danish international has rapidly become a hot commodity. Dorgu’s performances have also earned him a place in Denmark’s senior national team, with three caps to his name.

Photo: IMAGO

In a move designed to secure their position in future negotiations, Lecce recently tied Dorgu down to a new contract that extends until the summer of 2029. However, while the Italian club hopes to retain their talented youngster for the foreseeable future, they are fully aware that top European clubs will continue to circle.

According to reports from The Mirror, Lecce “remain mindful that his long-term future is still likely to lie away from the club as the vultures continue to descend upon their star talent.” This statement reflects the increasing likelihood that, despite his new contract, Dorgu’s time in Italy may be limited as clubs like Chelsea and Spurs push hard for his signature.

Tottenham’s Plans and Chelsea’s Multi-Club Strategy

Tottenham Hotspur have had Dorgu on their radar for some time, with the left-back emerging as a potential long-term option in North London. Spurs are reportedly eyeing Dorgu as cover for Destiny Udogie, while the impending contract expiration of Ben Davies could create a greater need for reinforcements in their defensive ranks.

However, Lecce have proven to be stubborn negotiators. During the summer transfer window, the club reportedly demanded upwards of £25 million for Dorgu, a figure that is expected to rise beyond £30 million following his recent contract extension. The steep price tag is a testament to Dorgu’s growing reputation, with Lecce looking to capitalise on their investment.

Photo: IMAGO

Interestingly, Chelsea had initially planned to sign Dorgu as part of their multi-club strategy, with the idea being that the player would spend time at Strasbourg, one of the clubs in their network. However, as The Mirror notes, “the numbers involved were too costly to complete the operation.” Chelsea’s interest in Dorgu remains strong, but they will now have to compete financially with Tottenham for the youngster’s services.

One factor that could work in Chelsea’s favour is Dorgu’s personal allegiances. The 19-year-old has previously declared himself a Chelsea supporter, which could play a role in his decision-making process when the time comes to move.

Lecce’s Savvy Business Move

Lecce’s decision to secure Dorgu on a long-term contract was a strategic move aimed at bolstering their bargaining position in future transfer discussions. Having initially signed the teenager from FC Nordsjaelland for a modest fee of around £165,000 in 2022, the club stands to make a significant profit should they eventually sell him.

As Lecce technical director Pantaleo Corvino remarked, tying Dorgu down to a new contract was crucial to their plans. Corvino acted swiftly to secure the extension, knowing full well that the player’s rising value could lead to a substantial windfall for the club. Lecce’s approach has not only strengthened their hand but also sent a clear message to potential suitors: if you want Dorgu, be prepared to pay a premium.

With AC Milan also reportedly keeping tabs on the Danish star, the race for Dorgu’s signature is expected to heat up even further as we approach the January transfer window.

The Financial Challenge Ahead

Both Chelsea and Tottenham are well aware that prising Dorgu away from Lecce will require a hefty financial outlay. The Serie A club is expected to hold out for the best possible deal, and with the player under contract until 2029, they are in no rush to sell.

However, for the Premier League giants, Dorgu represents a valuable long-term investment. With full-backs playing an increasingly vital role in modern football, the potential to secure a young, dynamic talent like Dorgu could prove to be a game-changer for whichever club wins the race.

As we inch closer to the January transfer window, expect more twists and turns in this intriguing saga.

Statistical Analysis by EPL Index

Patrick Dorgu’s Defensive and Attacking Balance

Patrick Dorgu has shown himself to be a well-rounded player, capable of contributing both defensively and offensively. His non-penalty expected goals (npxG) percentile of 99 is eye-catching, placing him amongst the top left-backs in Europe for attacking output. Dorgu’s expected assisted goals (xAG) also stands out at 89%, indicating his playmaking ability from deep positions. These stats highlight the 19-year-old’s proficiency in getting forward and contributing to attacking phases.

Possession and Progressive Play

In terms of possession, Dorgu’s progressive carries (74%) and progressive passes received (68%) underline his importance in advancing the ball for his team. His touches and passes attempted, though lower percentiles at 42% and 53%, suggest there is room for improvement in maintaining control during high-possession games. However, his ability to drive play forward is a vital component of his team’s transitions, ensuring quick progression up the pitch.

Defensive Output: Challenges and Successes

Defensively, Dorgu shines in key areas, particularly his aerial ability. Winning 83% of aerial duels, the Danish international ranks highly in this department. However, his overall tackling and interception numbers (52%) indicate he might still need to fine-tune his defensive positioning. Yet, his ability to disrupt opposition dribblers (68%) shows promise, suggesting he has the makings of a complete full-back.

Patrick Dorgu’s stats, courtesy of Fbref, provide a snapshot of a young player with enormous potential. He strikes a balance between attacking and defensive duties, making him a highly sought-after talent in Europe.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Chelsea fan’s perspective, the continued interest in Patrick Dorgu is both exciting and strategic. With the club’s defensive options still in flux and the need for future-proofing evident, Dorgu fits the bill perfectly. His attacking prowess from the left-back position, coupled with defensive reliability, makes him an ideal addition to a squad still recovering from recent transitions. The fact that Dorgu is a self-proclaimed Chelsea fan adds an emotional edge to the potential transfer, giving supporters reason to hope that Stamford Bridge could be his next home.

However, the financial challenge cannot be ignored. With a price tag rising above £30 million, Dorgu represents a significant investment for a 19-year-old, and some fans may wonder if Chelsea should prioritise other areas of the pitch. Moreover, Lecce’s strong negotiating position means the Blues will likely face fierce competition from Tottenham and possibly other European clubs. Given Chelsea’s vast resources and their track record of pursuing young talent, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them go all out for Dorgu.

Ultimately, for Chelsea fans, the idea of bringing in a rising star with so much potential is tantalising, especially if it means beating Spurs to the punch. Whether the club can navigate the financial and competitive hurdles remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Patrick Dorgu would be a fantastic addition to Chelsea’s young, exciting squad.