The potential changes at Chelsea keep making news, with the key word being bulking up in defense and especially midfield. John Obi Mikel might be on his way out to Galatasaray, while Geoffrey Kondogbia of Sevilla might be the man to replace him.
Mourinho wants a big, strong, physical midfield at his disposal again, finding the current crop of players, or at least some of them, a bitĀ lightweight,Ā or too soft, for his own taste.
According to theĀ Independent,Ā Chelsea have been scouting the 20-year old French defensive midfielder, who stands atĀ 6Ā ft, 3Ā 1ā2Ā in tall, before Mourinho was announced as manager, although his impressions from the young player make him interested to see that initial scouting assignment be completed into a signing.
Kondogbia is considered a rather imposing figure, usually playing in front of the back four, something that Chelsea lack at the moment except for Mikel, and are also missing quality and depth at the position, with Essien well over the top, while Oriol Romeu hasn’t played in a very long time due to a serious injury.
Kondogbia has played only one season in Spain so far, arriving to Sevilla from RC Lens in the summer of 2012 forĀ Ā£3.5 million. While Sevilla have already sold Jesus Navas to Manchester City and have a European campaign to think about, their financial situation isn’t great, and selling Kondogbia for aroundĀ Ā£10 million might come as a huge helping had, as it seems most clubs in Spain, besides the big two, are fighting for financial survival.
Kondogbia has appeared for all the French youth teams although he has yet to make an appearance for the U-21 squad. However, he will play with the U-20 side in the World Cup that begins on June 21 in Turkey, next to up and coming stars like Paul Pogba, Yaya Sanogo and Lucas Digne.