Tiemoue Bakayoko’s loan move to AC Milan was completed at the beginning of the week and it is being reported that Maurizio Sarri is happy to get rid of another midfielder before the closure of the transfer window across Europe. Jorginho, N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic, Cesc Fabregas, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Ross Barkley are all in the Italian’s first-team plans, which leaves Danny Drinkwater as the man on borrowed time.
The Premier League champion was the subject of interest from several English sides towards the end of the English transfer window but with an internal move no longer available, he may have to go abroad in search of regular football. This may leave 28-year-old frustrated, as a move within the country would’ve probably been his preference with Everton, West Ham and Leicester just a few of the linked clubs.
Drinkwater did play most of the pre-season matches and in the Community Shield which gave the impression that he might play some part in Sarri’s debut campaign and if he stays, there is that possibility but it does seem as though his time at Stamford Bridge is up following his £40 million transfer from the Foxes last summer.
Loan deals and permanent transfers can still be made in most European leagues so a move to Serie A, La Liga, Bundesliga or Ligue 1 could be on the cards. It’s unclear as to whether anyone is pursuing the England international but with the news breaking over the last few hours, it may attract teams from the listed leagues.
The Manchester United academy product played just 12 times in the Premier League under Antonio Conte which begs the question as to the former Juventus boss signed him following the title-winning campaign. Going from a player who was on the cusp of starting for England to not even being in the reckoning, it’s important that Danny Drinkwater finds a first-team opportunity elsewhere.
