Chelsea have reportedly emerged as surprise contenders for the signing of Liverpool Dutch midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum this summer.
The 30-year-old Dutch midfielder’s future has been the subject of fierce debate over recent months, with his contract with the Reds due to expire in June.
And it now appears almost certain that Wijnaldum will draw to an end five years at Anfield to move on to pastures new rather than signing a new deal.
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He has been most strongly linked with La Liga giants Barcelona, with his former international manager Ronald Koeman known to be a big fan.
But according to Spanish outlet Marca Chelsea are also in the running, with Thomas Tuchel seeing Wijnaldum as a potentially perfect addition to his squad.
They also claim that Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan and Juventus are also expressing an interest, and it appears Wijnaldum will have no shortage of attractive offers.
A move to Chelsea would certainly not go down well with Liverpool fans, who would no doubt rather he move abroad rather than become a direct domestic rival.
But the opportunity to stay in England could appeal to Wijnaldum, especially given that the Blues look to be a team who could be in contention for the title next season under Tuchel.
As recently as last week Wijnaldum provided an update on his future, but was once again cagey in his response.
“You will always talk about those things and about my future,” he said. “But as I have said on other occasions, I have no news yet.
“When there is news, I will talk about it, but there is no news.”
For now, Wijnaldum will put the rumours to one side and try to help Liverpool finish the season as strongly as possible.
The Reds return to action on Saturday when they take on Arsenal, and then face Real Madrid in the first leg of their mouthwatering Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday.
