Chelsea join Borussia Dortmund in the race for USMNT international

Chelsea join Borussia Dortmund in the race to sign Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie

According to Italian newspaper La Stampa (h/t Evening Standard), Chelsea have joined Borussia Dortmund in a race to sign Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie.

The report also reveals that a fee of around £25m will be enough to prise the USMNT international away from Turin in the transfer window. Tottenham Hotspur have had a long-term interest in the player as well.

McKennie had an excellent World Cup as part of the USA squad in Qatar. His performances in the midfield allowed his country to reach the knock-out stages, before succumbing to the experience and might of the Netherlands. He was very good in a goalless draw against England particularly.

The 24-year-old, who arrived in Turin from German club Schalke in the summer of 2021, still has a contract at Juventus until 2025 (Transfermarkt). But, the situation of the Old Lady is a bit helter-skelter at the moment with the whole board quitting and the future being unstable.

McKennie is a versatile midfield player who can play both the box-to-box role and can be used as a wide midfield option, almost like a wing-back in a three-man defensive system.

He is good on the ball, can run all day for the team, can create chances and score goals and is physically strong, something which is required in English football.

Chelsea could do with a player like him in their squad looking at the current options. N’Golo Kante‘s future is up in the air following the expiry of his contract in the summer and Barcelona prowling. Jorginho’s contract situation is the same, with no extension signed yet.

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Irrespective of that, Graham Potter’s men have lacked legs and power in the midfield. McKennie can provide those two aspects in abundance. With the price put on the 24-year-old, it is worth a punt to sign him sooner rather than later.