Nathan Collins (R) (Getty Images)
According to the Irish Sun, (h/t Football.London), Chelsea are eyeing a summer move for Stoke City teenager Nathan Collins.
The under-21 Ireland defender, who is considered as one of the hot young prospects outside the Premier League, has attracted a lot of interests, with Blues rivals Arsenal also in pursuit of him. The 6ft 5in centre-back’s huge physicality had seen him get into the Stoke City senior side back in 2018-19 despite him being just 17 at that time.
His performances have significantly improved since his senior team debut that he played nine times in the league for the Championship outfit. Last season, he appeared in just three games and has thus emulated his performances from last campaign by playing more games.
His stand out displays at the back had also caught the attention of his country’s national coach Mick McCarthy, who included him in the provisional Ireland squad in August. However, McCarthy later made his intentions clear by allowing him to play for the under-21 side.
He eventually made his debut for the Ireland youth side in November after recovering from the injuries which he had sustained earlier.
With Collins’ displays at the back improving at a rapid pace, it does not come as a surprise that Chelsea are interested in the young talent. Meanwhile, Chelsea have had a fruitful outing in the league this season under new boss Frank Lampard.
However, defence has been a problem for the Blues, with the side conceding as many as 39 goals from 29 league games. Inconsistency at the back had seen Lampard rotate his backline throughout the campaign. Only seasoned campaigner Antonio Rudiger has been his first-choice regular this season, however, he had just recently returned to the first-team after a long injury lay off.
Other two centre-backs – Andreas Christensen and Kurt Zouma, have made 15 and 22 appearances respectively, but both have failed to establish themselves as first-team regulars due to inconsistency.
Young defender Fikayo Tomori, meanwhile, has had a breakthrough season, making 15 league appearances, and is considered a future star. However, Tomori is still young and Lampard should not take his chances with the Englishman.
With issues still persisting in his defence, Lampard would be well aware that he needs to bring in some new faces to help his side stay among the top-four next season too. That said, Chelsea’s pursuit of Stoke teenager Collins seems like a move with an eye on the future.
Chelsea, at the moment, have four centre-backs in their ranks. However, not all have been consistent enough and roping in someone as young would only offer manager Lampard more options at the back. He could develop further under Lampard. Hence, the Blues should buy him as he would be a good future investment for them.
