According to Hungary boss Marco Rossi, Attila Szalai is a “done deal” to Chelsea. The Blues are currently facing an injury crisis and the signing of Attila Szalai can help them in the long term. Chelsea are interested in signing the Hungarian international for £20 million and seems to be close to agreeing to a deal.
Thomas Tuchel and company are scouting for another center-back in Europe and Sevilla star Jules Kounde was once very close to a transfer. Chelsea’s injury crisis is starting to affect their result. Moreover, they failed to secure a win against West Ham and lost their lead in the Premier League. Furthermore, Antonio Rudiger is running out of contract in 2022. Also, Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta will be entering their last six months of contract with the club. Chelsea are one of the title contenders this season and they need depth in their squad to go through a long season.
Attila Szalai has emerged as a very good option for Chelsea. He is a top target because of his excellent display for Fenerbahce. He has also impressed with his performances in Euro 2020. As a result, many Spanish clubs like Sevilla, Atletico Madrid, and Barcelona are also interested in signing the Hungarian defender. Marcos Rossi mentioned this while talking to Calciomercato,
“It’s hard to name just one player, but right now I see very well Attila Szalai, who plays for Fenerbahce, but I think he is joining Chelsea.”
“Clearly, he has been followed by important clubs in Spain, but apparently his move to Chelsea is a done deal. He would be a great player also for Italian football.”
What can Attila Szalai bring to Chelsea?
Attila Szalai stands tall at 6’3″ and has a strong physical presence. This was evident in Hungary’s three games in September and October. He was very solid aerially and very dominant in-ground duels also. Not only he is a great addition defensively but he is very good at progressing with the ball. He completes most of his passes and also has the ability to provide key passes and distribute accurate long passes.
Szalai, who will turn 24 in January, appears to be developing swiftly as a well-rounded and confident center-back, having progressed from the Hungarian division to one of Turkey’s three biggest clubs in less than two years. His robust physicality, mixed with a calm assertiveness and presence on the ball, as well as his back three experience, might make him a good fit for Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea.
It’s no doubt that Attila Szalai will be a very good addition to the Chelsea squad. However, he will have to earn his place in the starting amid strong competition from world-class players. He is just 24-year-old and will have a lot to offer to Thomas Tuchel and also a lot to learn. Chelsea will get a great alternative of Jules Kounde for a very cheap price compared to the Frenchman. The Hungarian international is in great form and if what Rossi said is true then Szalai must be thrilled to get going in England.
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