Chelsea are interested in signing Nico Melamed (Getty Images)
As per Gianluca di Marzio (h/t The Express), Chelsea have kept close tabs on Espanyol midfielder Nico Melamed throughout the campaign.
Melamed, 18, came through the ranks of Espanyol’s youth system and has made a name for himself with the club’s ranks. He was promoted to the B side last September and has featured regularly, making 27 appearances for Espanyol’s B side.
In the process, he has scored 7 goals and also made an appearance in the Europa League qualifiers. He has been impressive throughout the season and also earned a call-up to Spain U19 squad last January. His performances haven’t gone unnoticed, with Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich also interested in him, as per the report.
Meanwhile, Chelsea have been inconsistent throughout the campaign despite starting off well. Though they have managed to stay within the top four of the league table, their performance has not been up to the mark.
The youngsters in the squad have struggled of late due to their inexperience. They have limited in-form players in the attack and the defence, whereas their midfield has improved a lot.
Despite the injury to N’Golo Kante, Chelsea have had a good midfield as they have a plethora of midfield talents. Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho have been immense to the team, with the Croatian rising to the occasion at the right time.
Apart from that, they also have Mason Mount, who has been lively for the Blues this season. Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Marco van Ginkel are two midfielders who have been on the sidelines for the majority of the season but would be available for next season.
Therefore, with several players available at the manager’s disposal, Chelsea’s decision to keep their eyes off the teenager would prove to be a good decision.
The 18-year-old may be good at his level but when it comes to the Premier League, he would need to have some experience. He has not been around the senior team for a long time and that would hinder his development.
It would also be difficult for Chelsea boss Frank Lampard to hand equal minutes to everyone in the squad and the Spanish youngster would obviously end up on the bench, whereas he actually needs to be playing regularly at this stage of his career.
Chelsea have adequate depth in their midfield ranks and Lampard should be able to do with the players available. And instead of looking for midfielders, the manager should prioritize strengthening other areas on the pitch.
Therefore, the Blues should keep their eyes of Nico Melamed and instead, focus on the midfielders available in their ranks.
