Nico Melamed (Image credit: Google)
According to Sport (h/t The Express), Chelsea are interested in signing Espanyol youngster Nico Melamed ahead of the 2020/21 season.
The report suggests that several top European clubs are also interested in securing his services. Melamed’s impressive performances have attracted the attention of Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich but it is claimed that Espanyol are looking to tie him down to a new contract.
Born in Spain, Melamed came through the ranks of Espanyol’s youth academy. He excelled with the club’s B team last season, scoring 7 goals in 27 league games. He made his debut for the senior team this season. He was impressive since the restart but couldn’t stop his side from getting relegated.
The teenager also broke into Spain’s U20 squad earlier this year and has made 2 appearances so far. Despite his tender age, he has shown immense potential in La Liga but Melamed is still inexperienced and needs to play for a few more years before moving to a bigger European club.
Despite the Blues’ transfer ban, Frank Lampard managed to take his side to the Champions League next season. The manager has done a stellar job so far and has also made quite an impact this transfer window by signing Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner and Ben Chilwell.
At the moment, Chelsea have a plethora of midfield talents in their ranks. Mateo Kovacic and Mason Mount have been brilliant throughout the campaign, starting regularly. World Cup winner N’Golo Kante is also available at the manager’s disposal. Though he struggled with injuries in the 2019/20 campaign, the Frenchman is one of the best midfielders in Europe.
Young Billy Gilmour has also shown immense potential in the limited opportunities he received before he got injured. Apart from that, the Blues also have Ross Barkley and Faustino Anjorin.
Englishman Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who spent the majority of last season on the sidelines, is also an option. Thus, with plenty of talents in the middle of the park, it is unnecessary for Chelsea to make a move for the 19-year-old Melamed.
The Spanish youngster has made just 6 appearances at the top level and could struggle to settle to the conditions of the Premier League. Moreover, he is just starting his career and his inexperience would be a hinderance in England. Thus, avoiding a move for the youngster would be a wise decision by Chelsea as it would be a gamble.
The youngster is currently at a juncture where he needs to be playing regularly in order to continue his development. And with Chelsea, it would be impossible due to the big names present in the squad. Thus, the Blues should refrain from making any move for Melamed.
