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Chelsea should pursue Marco Verratti, not Tiemoue Bakayoko, as prime summer transfer

By The Pride of London Staff

PARIS, FRANCE - MARCH 19: Marco Verratti of Paris Saint-Germain runs with the ball during the French Ligue 1 match between Paris Saint Germain and Lyon at Parc des Princes on March 19, 2017 in Paris, France. (Photo by Aurelien Meunier/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE - MARCH 19: Marco Verratti of Paris Saint-Germain runs with the ball during the French Ligue 1 match between Paris Saint Germain and Lyon at Parc des Princes on March 19, 2017 in Paris, France. (Photo by Aurelien Meunier/Getty Images) /
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Marco Verratti’s agent had to walk back his comments about his client’s desire to leave Paris-Saint Germain for a Champions League title contender. Chelsea should take the remarks at face-value and pursue the PSG midfielder.

Marco Verratti’s agent said earlier in the week that his client “needs to consider whether he wants to earn a lot without winning or earn and become a champion.” After this set off an uproar around PSG, he attempted to modify his comments and mollify French football fans.

"The fact remains that a player of his ability, after five years in Paris, is wondering about his career prospects and hoping that PSG can win the one trophy they are missing, which is the Champions League. Marco has big ambitions. – ESPN FC"

The clarification was little more than a gentle restatement. Much like Romelu Lukaku, Verratti is thoroughly and justifiably questioning whether his club can meet his ambitions. PSG’s history indicates that they can not. Verratti’s rumoured transfer fee indicates that Champions League contenders – such as Chelsea – believe he can take their squads all the way.

Marco Verratti is one of the few transfer targets who has stayed at the top of the rumour mill while also making sense as a piece of football business. Most other potential transfers – including Monaco’s Tiemoue Bakayoko – would be redundant with players currently in Chelsea’s system, either on the squad or on loan.

"This is the most classic Michael Emenalo transfer rumour of all time. What do Chelsea have right now? The most dominant midfielder in Europe. So what are Chelsea rumoured to do? Go out and buy another defensive midfielder! – Barrett Rouen, The Blue Lions"

Unlike Verratti, Bakayoko would needlessly displace and forestall Chelsea’s academy graduates’ rise to the first team. Nathaniel Chalobah, Lewis Baker and Ruben Loftus-Cheek would find one more obstacle in their path to the first team. Just as Antonio Conte seems to be reforming Chelsea’s youth and loan policy, Bakayoko’s arrival would send the message to the rest of the loan army that little has changed.

Chelsea could challenge for both the Premier League and Champions League next year with few additions from the outside. The Blues’ most significant need is a striker. However, Tammy Abraham or Bertrand Traore could pair with Eden Hazard to provide sufficient offence. Romelu Lukaku would be a strong addition, but he is not a necessary purchase.

Chelsea’s short-sightedness have led to some of their biggest debacles in the youth, loan and transfer markets. The club cannot allow themselves to get distracted by shiny objects in the transfer window. Nor should they feel compelled or rushed to spend their profit on selling Oscar and perhaps Diego Costa.

Next: Mason Mount leads cadre of Chelsea youth in England's U19 win (Video)

Chelsea have the luxury of only needing to make sturdy investments in the long-term interests of the club. Marco Verratti meets that standard. Tiemoue Bakayoko and most other names you will hear this summer do not.

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