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Chelsea should sell Nemanja Matic to Juventus, not Manchester United

By Ajitesh Rasgotra

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 22: Dele Alli of Tottenham Hotspur chases Nemanja Matic of Chelsea during The Emirates FA Cup Semi-Final between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley Stadium on April 22, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images,)
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 22: Dele Alli of Tottenham Hotspur chases Nemanja Matic of Chelsea during The Emirates FA Cup Semi-Final between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley Stadium on April 22, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images,) /
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As reports claim that Nemanja Matic has been left out of Chelsea’s pre-season squad, Juventus have moved into pole position to sign the Serbian.

Chelsea fans are still sweating on the arrival Tiemoue Bakayoko, but the latest reports surround his effective predecessor. Nemanja Matic has been left out of the Blues’ pre-season squad as he moves closer to an exit. Juventus are now favourites to sign Matic, taking pole position from Manchester United. Chelsea should take advantage of this and push him in the direction of Italy.

The Guardian claims that Matic has been excused from the China trip as he works on a move away from Stamford Bridge.

"Chelsea have given Nemanja Matic permission to join Diego Costa in missing their tour of China and Singapore as the Serbia midfielder attempts to smooth his departure from the club…His preference would have been a reunion with José Mourinho at United, but Juve may now prove the easiest deal to negotiate."

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After an average 2016/17 season, Matic has fallen out of Antonio Conte’s plans. With Bakayoko due to sign for Chelsea imminently, there is no room for the 28-year-old. Matic is too good to accept a role as backup and thus is angling for a West London exit.

United have led the race for his signature, but Juventus have now entered it. Selling Matic to Jose Mourinho is a boneheaded move. With Romelu Lukaku and an abundance of talent, United are positioned to challenge for both the Premier League and Champions League. Adding Matic only strengthens their arsenal and damages Chelsea’s hopes of silverware.

With Juventus reportedly interested in Matic, the Blues should favour them. Even if that means offering the player to the Turin club, Chelsea cannot afford to sell the 28-year-old to a rival when other options are available.

No matter what some fans think of Matic, he is still an asset to any elite team. Furthermore, he has enjoyed working under Mourinho in the past. There is no reason to believe that he won’t be reinvigorated by a reunion and a change in scene.

Next: Chelsea’s transfer activity so far follows patterns of Abramovich era

What do you think of these reports? Do you care if Matic moves to Manchester? Sound off in the comments below!

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