Transfer Rumours: Chelsea favourites to sign Matteo Darmian
Having written off Bastian Schweinsteiger, Mourinho now looks set to give Italian international Matteo Darmian the same treatment as well. The Italian who joined Manchester United last summer for an undisclosed fee signed on a four-year contract.
Earlier in the summer, Darmian had been linked with Spanish club, Barcelona before interest in him fizzled out. Terming his relationship with the new manager Jose Mourinho as a “complete breakdown”, the player is now looking elsewhere to begin his career afresh.
The recent form of Antonio Valencia has also pushed him down the pecking order.
The Italian had previously indicated that he would fight for his spot, having impressed in his debut season under Louis Van Gaal. While a host of clubs have been linked with the Italian, according to Italian media outlet Tuttosport, Darmian would favour a move to a Premier League club.
The presence of Antonio Conte, former manager of Italy, seems to make Chelsea the favourites for Darmian. It is believed that the 26-year old would be staying at Old Trafford till the New Year, with a view to move in the January transfer window.
The full-back could move on a season-long loan with an option to buy, which will make the deal appealing to clubs bidding on the Italian international.
The Italian joined the Milan youth system back in 2007 and made his debut in the Serie A, at the age of 17. He had a loan stint with Padova before switching to Palermo for a solitary season. The move to Palermo was a part of a co-ownership arrangement between Milan and Palermo which Palermo later redeemed it in the summer of 2012.
Subsequently, he was loaned to Torino where his eye-catching displays earned him a place in the Serie A team of the year for the 2013-14 season.
His performances ensured that he earned a place in the Italian squad for the 2014 World Cup, before making his tournament debut against England in their opening game. He was even awarded the Pallone Azzurro for the year 2014, an honour bestowed on the best player in the national team.
Darmian could be a useful addition to Chelsea as he can play the right-back and right-wing back position.
His dynamic presence on the wings and his ability to deliver crosses with either foot makes him an asset. A tactically aware player, he would suit the 3-5-2 system with Darmian comfortable on either wing-back positions.