Club legend at work to help Chelsea beat London rivals to midfield target
Chelsea have enlisted the help of Didier Drogba in the race to sign Orkun Kokcu from Feyenoord, according to reports in his native Turkey.
After winning the Champions League last month, Chelsea are now ready for another important transfer window. They spent heavily this time last year and are willing to do so again to continue their progress under Thomas Tuchel. The ambition now is to close the gap to top spot in the Premier League.
This summer will be crucial to their hopes of doing so. They have the chance to strengthen their squad over the coming months as they see fit.
The priority appears to be signing a more reliable, world-class centre-forward such as Erling Haaland. Achraf Hakimi is another big-name (and big-money) target to strengthen them at wing-back.
But another area they may look to reinforce is in midfield. With most of their funds likely directed towards the other two pursuits, they may have to look at cheaper options for other positions.
As such, it has emerged that they are now in the hunt for Feyenoord midfielder Kokcu.
According to Vole in Turkey, Chelsea have begun their pursuit of the Turkey international. And they have made contact with his family via their former striker Drogba.
Drogba has previously helped Chelsea in transfer negotiations and could do so again after arranging a meeting between the club and Kokcu’s camp.
It could give them the edge over some of their rivals. Arsenal and Tottenham have already been linked with the player, for example.
He has also been suggested as a target for Leeds, but it seems his destination could be in London instead. Where exactly remains to be seen.
Kokcu in demand
A report in April revealed that Kokcu’s asking price has dropped significantly from its previous value of €25m. His agents were said to be informing clubs around Europe of his situation and now more interest has been raised.
It is still not clear how much Chelsea – or anyone else – may have to pay for the 20-year-old. But it seems it will be an affordable figure.
His future will likely have to be decided after his involvement with Turkey at Euro 2020.
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