Chelsea have opened talks regarding a January transfer for in demand forward Marcus Thuram, according to Fabrizio Romano. The 25-year-old forward has been attracting interest from several of Europe’s elite clubs. His contract at Borussia Mönchengladbach expires at the end of the season when he would be available for free. However, Chelsea have reportedly enquired what it would take to sign him in this window.
Marcus Thuram Will Take Time to Consider Options
Understand Chelsea have opened talks to explore January deal for Marcus Thuram. 🚨🔵 #CFC
The French striker’s on many top clubs list being a free agent in June, Chelsea exploring conditions for Jan.
Thuram will take his time and consider all the options, as @Santi_J_FM called. pic.twitter.com/zQ7IG0Hg7L
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 7, 2023
Several Elite Clubs Interested
Son of legendary France defender Lilian Thuram, Marcus has always been regarded as a bright prospect. In 2019 he earned his move to the continental level with a transfer to Borussia Mönchengladbach. He has since continued to develop, and is enjoying an excellent season in which he has recorded ten Bundesliga goals and three assists. His performances for France in the World Cup in Qatar also enhanced his reputation. He showcased his dangerous attacking movement and provided a great second option from the bench for the eventual runners-up.
🚨Info: Marcus Thuram 🇫🇷💫
▫️Chelsea est entré dans la danse pour recruter l’attaquant du Borussia Mönchengladbach dès cet hiver.https://t.co/IVVgJziY8z pic.twitter.com/xZtZXWyCGY
— Santi Aouna (@Santi_J_FM) January 6, 2023
With the interest being shown in him, he is clearly now regarded as being ready to move to an elite club. Bayern Munich and Newcastle United were linked before the window opened. Since then, Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool have also been credited with an interest. The player is likely to take his time to consider his options, according to French journalist Santi Aouna. He has a guaranteed way out of Borussia Mönchengladbach in the summer, so there is no rush from his side.
Injury Crisis Forces Blues Into Immediate Move
With Chelsea’s disappointing performances of late, they are looking to strengthen the squad. Their injury crisis seems to have forced their hand in trying to do a deal this window. The situation has gone from bad to worse in the first week of the month, so reinforcements seem to be a necessity.
The Blues’ injury list includes a number of key attacking options. Mason Mount, Armando Broja and Ruben Loftus-Cheek were all already on the side-lines. In their last Premier League match both Raheem Sterling and Christian Pulisic were forced off within the first 22 minutes. With the the concern around Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s performances, and rumours surrounding Hakim Ziyech and Pulisic potentially leaving the club, a solution needs to be found quickly.
Likelihood of Completing a Deal
It is unclear who are the favourites in the running to be Thuram’s next club. According to Sky Sports Deutschland, Bayern Munich are no longer in the running to sign him. With Liverpool having completed a deal for Cody Gakpo last week, it is not known whether they would move for another forward, having also signed Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez in the last year.
However, there would still be options for Thuram in the summer, and so the ball is in his court when it comes to negotiations with Chelsea. Another concern for him would be where Chelsea will finish this season. They are currently 10th in the Premier League and Champions League football next season is looking a near-impossible achievement now. It will all be down to Graham Potter and Todd Boehly to convince him of the project that they are building at Stamford Bridge.
