Chelsea Transfer News: Blues consider surprise approach for wantaway PL ace

Chelsea are reportedly considering whether to hijack a move for a Premier League player who wants out of his current club.

The Blues have embarked on a new era amid the recent sacking of Enzo Maresca and arrival of his successor, Liam Rosenior, in the Stamford Bridge hotseat.

And with the January transfer window in full flow, rumoured targets have been flying around as the former Strasbourg boss gets to grips with his new team.

Having only stepped into the role in the past week, proceeding with January deals will require some quick thinking as Rosenior attempts to mark his stamp on this Chelsea side with additions that align with his vision.

And a recent claim has suggested that a slightly left-field transfer target could be of interest to the Blues, despite the player’s desire to go elsewhere.

According to journalist Renan Moura (via CaughtOffside), Chelsea are interested in West Ham United attacker Lucas Paqueta despite the Brazilian’s wish to return to his homeland.

Paqueta, who remained with the Hammers following intense speculation over the summer, is thought to have set his heart on a switch to Flamengo, whom he left in 2019 for European football.

His current side are embroiled in a Premier League relegation fight with Nuno Espirito Santo’s men seven points from safety following just three wins all season.

And it appears that Paqueta’s patience in east London has run out as he angles for a move away.

Moura stated that West Ham rejected an initial offer from Flamengo for Paqueta, though the Serie A outfit may return with a €40m (£34.7m) package to bring him back.

While it appears the Copa Libertadores champions are the favourites for his signature, Moura notes how “people close to the midfielder” would see Chelsea as a wiser destination for his career.

It looks as though Chelsea would have to offer an incredible deal for Paqueta to stay in London, with the 28-year-old’s alleged involvement in a spot-fixing scandal – for which he was eventually cleared – part of the reason he wishes to return home.

It should also be noted that some of Chelsea’s targets this winter, such as Mike Maignan and Rafael Leao, would go against their recent policy of signing up-and-coming talents.

Indeed, the August 1997-born tPaqueta would become their oldest player (unless 31-year-old Raheem Sterling was to make a first-team comeback).

Rosenior’s arrival may bring about another layer of intrigue over the types of players Chelsea will buy during his tenure, though whether their pursuit of Paqueta even has legs remains to be seen.

Graduated in Sport Journalism (BA) with first-class honours from the University of Brighton and has since had bylines in The Times, sports business publication SportsPro, Football FanCast and The Gooner fanzine.