Sven Botman is a player whom Chelsea are watching closely as they wait for Newcastle to sort out their contract talks. According to reports, the centre-back from the Netherlands has been a “target of Chelsea for quite some time”, as they look at possible defensive reinforcements for the next summer.
Botman has had to be on the sidelines for some time due to injury, but when he is fit, his class has been the main reason why top clubs keep showing interest in him.
Newcastle’s Contract Situation
Newcastle said that the biggest reason that the extension with Botman is still pending is due to the change of the club’s sporting director. Ross Wilson, who became the head of football operations after the departure of Lee Charnley, has made it his personal mission to get the Dutchman to sign a new contract with Newcastle.
The Magpies are still very confident and have publicly stated that they have no intention whatsoever of selling the defender. Although at present, the situation between St. James’ Park and Botman seems perfectly fine, things could take a different turn if the deadlock drags on as more and more outsiders may start to show interest, Chelsea being one of them, who are in need of a stable centre-back.
Chelsea’s Defensive Concerns
The Blues’ defensive problems have been the main reason that they turn their attention towards such a squad as experienced yet not too highly priced. Botman, 25, can be a perfect match hereby — a player who is very strong defensively, quick to make the right decision in possession, and understand the game well from a tactical point of view. His youth and the length of his contract can be the reason for the club to see him as a safe medium-term investment.
Author’s Opinion
It will be very interesting to see what will happen to the Dutchman. If the Geordies are not willing to sit down with him, Chelsea must not hesitate for a second to get him, as he is exactly the kind of player that Maresca’s system cries out for, urgently.
