Jesus Corona watches on during a match (Getty Images)
According to a report from the Daily Star, Chelsea have identified FC Porto winger Jesus Corona as a potential transfer target for the summer window. The Blues were keen on Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho. But with Manchester United leading the race for the Englishman, they have turned their attention to Corona.
Corona, 27, came through the youth ranks at Mexican club CF Monterrey. The winger went on to make 54 appearances, scoring 7 goals, before being picked up by Dutch outfit FC Twente in 2013. The Mexican international featured 51 times for the club and netted 13 goals, prompting FC Porto to sign him up in the summer of 2015.
Since joining the Portuguese heavyweights, Corona has racked up 211 appearances, producing a return of 26 goals and 51 assists.
Attack is a key area that the Blues need to strengthen heading into next season. A new striker to complement Tammy Abraham should be a top priority for Lampard & co. But at the same time, the West Londoners should also look to strengthen the wide areas.
As of now, Chelsea have four players who can play out wide – Pedro, Willian, Christian Pulisic and Callum Hudson-Odoi. Lampard has also opted to use Mason Mount on the flanks at times, but he is not a natural winger.
Among these, Willian, who has done well this season, is close to the exit doors with his contract expiring and talks over a new deal not progressing well. Same goes for Pedro as well, whose current deal is also up for expiry at the end of the season.
Hudson-Odoi, on the other hand, hasn’t been productive enough during the 2019/20 campaign. And recent off-field controversies are sure to have a further impact on his performances. Hence, Chelsea should look to recruit another winger come summer, with Porto’s Corona being a viable option.
The 27-year-old has enjoyed a splendid season with the Portuguese giants, producing a tally of 2 goals and 17 assists in 41 matches across all competitions. This comes on the back of another solid campaign in 2018/19, where he finished with 7 goals and 15 assists in 51 matches.
Corona has been a consistent performer for Porto for quite a while now and has accumulated plenty of experience in European competitions as well, with 38 appearances in Europa League and Champions League combined.
Corona is a Gold Cup winner with Mexico (2015) and a Portuguese champion with Porto (2017/18). He would also bring more winning mentality to a young Chelsea side, while adding some much-needed depth on the flanks.
Chelsea are set to lose two veteran wingers in Pedro and Willian at the end of the season. This, coupled with Callum Hudson-Odoi’s failure to kick on warrants the addition of another winger at Stamford Bridge.
Jesus Corona, to that end, would be a handy addition. The Mexican has been in impressive form for Porto over the past few years and has garnered plenty of experience. His arrival would add more depth and quality to the Chelsea attack.
