Why Maurizio Sarri must complete a late move for Nabil Fekir

Chelsea have endured a frustrating transfer window which saw the club acquire just one outfield player in the form of Napoli midfielder Jorginho. But that was part of a double deal which saw Sarri take up the managerial hot-seat at Chelsea.

The Blues must complete one more final transfer before the window shuts this weekend. According to Daily Star, Chelsea are in the hunt for Lyon captain Nabil Fekir. The Frenchman was initially linked with a move for Liverpool but the move ultimately fell apart due to a medical issue (h/t Daily Star).

Chelsea are facing an anxious few weeks which could see them lose Thibaut Courtois and Eden Hazard (h/t Daily Star).

Sarri needs to ensure he replaces the club’s stars should they decide to make the move. To that end, Fekir will be a perfect option in this scenario.

The Frenchman exploded to stardom last season after being handed the captaincy role at the club. He was also subsequently rewarded with a spot in Didier Deschamps’ France squad that clinched the World Cup in Russia.

The midfielder is a talented player who possesses a wide variety of traits needed to flourish in England. His vision and creativity in the middle of the park was crucial to Lyon’s attack last season. Fekir is a scorer as well as an able provider for the team. He was Lyon’s go-to man last season, racking up a total of 18 goals and providing 8 assists in that time.

The 25-year-old is generally classified as a central attacking midfielder but is versatile enough to play a number of roles up front. Fekir is capable of slotting into either wing or even playing as a false nine. His ability to play a number of roles is what makes him an enticing prospect for Maurizio Sarri.

The Italian manager’s high-octane all-action football philosophy will certainly help the Frenchman thrive in the squad. Sarri could make the most of the player by deploying him as a central attacking midfielder in a 4-3-3 formation. Sitting behind the striker, Fekir could be the man who pulls the strings and picks the locks for the Blues.

Sarri is currently facing a race against time as the English transfer window shuts in two days.

There’s no certainty as to whether Hazard or Courtois will stay. According to Daily Star, the Belgian shot-stopper has gone AWOL in a bid to force his way out of the Bridge. Hence, Sarri must make the required transfers as swiftly as possible.