Why Chelsea should make a move for Abdoulaye Doucoure next summer

Watford midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure was close to an exit in the summer, with Everton showing the most interest in the player. However, the Hornets rejected a £30m offer from Everton as they had no intention of selling the Frenchman. (h/t BBC)

Abdoulaye Doucoure, 26, has done well in the Premier League for Watford, and one can understand why Everton were interested in him. He made 34 starts and one substitute appearance in the Premier League for Watford last season, scoring five goals and providing six assists in the process.

The French midfielder of Malian descent has already admitted his desire to play in the Champions League and while Watford were reluctant to lose one of their prized assets over the summer, Doucoure could attract a lot of interest in the summer of 2020 by having a strong season with the Hornets.

Chelsea, who were interested in signing Doucoure in January, must make a move for the Watford ace next summer to replace the potentially outgoing N’Golo Kante.

According to a report from the Sun, Real Madrid are set to make a staggering £100million bid for Kante next summer. Real boss Zinedine Zidane has been a long-term admirer of the French international, ever since he played a key role in helping Leicester win the Premier League.

Kante is widely regarded as the best player in his position in world football and is one of Chelsea’s most prized assets.

The Blues are under no pressure to let the diminutive midfielder go after he signed a contract extension back in November. However, when clubs like Real Madrid come calling, it’s difficult for players to reject the offer to play for one of the biggest entities in world football.

That could leave Chelsea with no option but to cash in on the Frenchman, who’ll be turning 29 in March. And by doing so, the Blues, who could also have their transfer ban lifted by then, must splash on signing Doucoure from Watford.

Doucoure is a combative midfielder who breaks up play, works tirelessly in the middle of the park and makes driving runs in the opposition half whenever presented with an opportunity.

He is a very good ball-carrier and can be a good outlet for his teammates on the counter. The Frenchman is incredibly strong and powerful which helps him win a lot of 50-50 aerial duels against the opposition.

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The former Rennes man also doesn’t shy away from doing the dirty, defensive work at the centre of the park so that he can provide adequate cover for his team’s defence.

Verdict

The addition of a midfielder of Doucoure’s quality and experience would undeniably bolster Frank Lampard’s midfield options at Stamford Bridge. He would add a lot of energy and tenacity to the Chelsea midfield, whilst forming a productive partnership with Jorginho at the south London club.