Chelsea are reportedly weighing up a move for SC Freiburg midfielder Johan Manzambi as Xabi Alonso begins shaping his squad ahead of the new Premier League season.
Alonso officially started work at Stamford Bridge on July 1 after being appointed in May and is expected to oversee a significant rebuild following Chelsea’s disappointing campaign.
While the Blues are yet to complete a major signing under their new head coach, plans are already being put in place for further additions, with Manzambi emerging as a player of interest.
The 20-year-old has impressed for Switzerland at the World Cup, attracting attention from several of Europe’s biggest clubs after an eye-catching run of form.
Chelsea face competition for Manzambi
According to reports, Chelsea have monitored the Freiburg youngster for some time, although they are unlikely to have a clear run at securing his signature.
Arsenal are also believed to be admirers of the midfielder, while Newcastle United are monitoring his progress in the Premier League.
Across Europe, Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid have also been credited with an interest, meaning Chelsea could face stiff competition if they decide to formalise their pursuit.
Manzambi is valued at around £42m and has enhanced his growing reputation with five goal contributions in four World Cup appearances for Switzerland.
Why Chelsea rate Manzambi
The versatile midfielder has earned praise for his ability to operate in a variety of positions, featuring on the right wing, as an attacking midfielder and in central midfield during the World Cup.
His adaptability and attacking instincts have drawn comparisons with Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, with analyst Spencer Mossman previously describing Manzambi as the most unique U21 player on the planet.
Against Algeria, the Freiburg youngster produced an impressive display in an advanced midfield role, driving forward from deep before creating Breel Embolo’s goal with a well-timed attacking run.
Like Fernandez, Manzambi is comfortable breaking into the penalty area from midfield while also contributing defensively.
The Geneva-born midfielder finished last season with 16 combined goals and assists in the Bundesliga and averaged 6.6 duels won per game, highlighting both his attacking quality and physical presence.
Fernandez has established himself as one of Chelsea’s key midfielders with his all-round displays, and the similarities in playing style have fuelled suggestions that Manzambi could develop into a comparable profile at Stamford Bridge.
A signing for the future?
At a reported £42m, Manzambi would represent another significant investment from Chelsea, but one the club may view as a long-term addition rather than an immediate finished product.
With several elite clubs keeping tabs on his development, Chelsea may need to move quickly if they decide to turn their long-standing interest into a formal bid.
Should a deal materialise, the Blues would be hoping Manzambi can follow a similar path to Fernandez by becoming an influential figure in midfield for years to come.