Chelsea have such a surplus in the midfield department that the Blues are letting Danny Drinkwater leave Stamford Bridge.
Despite the transfer ban slapped against the Blues, Chelsea are willing to part ways with the midfielder. However, with the transfer window closing later, time is not on their side.
Chelsea have reportedly talked to numerous clubs in the Premier League for a possible transfer or an option for a season-long loan agreement for Drinkwater. But the Blues are said to be willing to pay a percentage of the midfielder’s salary should a deal comes to fruition in the coming days.
Drinkwater was acquired by Chelsea from Leicester City in 2017 for £35 million. The 29-year-old midfielder played a vital role when he was with Leicester, winning the Premier League during the 2015/2016 season. He formed a remarkable alliance with N’Golo Kante who left Leicester for Stamford Bridge after lifting the trophy for the Foxes.
Drinkwater signed a contract that was believed to pay him more than £100,000 a week but reportedly had a hard time to play in the first team.
In his debut season, Drinkwater managed to play 12 Premier League appearances. During the reign of Maurizio Sarri, Drinkwater did not play a league match at all. He only played for the Community Shield Sarri said that Drinkwater is not fit for Chelsea.
Norwich and Brighton are said to be keen in getting Drinkwater who may not also be featured by Chelsea’s new boss, Frank Lampard. The former Derby manager is expected to prioritize more playing time to younger midfielders, Mason Mount and Ruben Loftus-Cheek. Mount played under Lampard at Derby County.
The Canaries have joined the race for the midfielder, with Brighton looking for a season-long loan arrangement for Drinkwater. Brighton’s boss, Graham Potter is said to be searching for someone to help the club and Drinkwater will fit perfectly.
The Blues, on the other hand, are prohibited from signing new players after they were sanctioned with a two-window transfer ban from FIFA.
