Chelsea Eye Porto's Jesus Corona & Decide Against Buyback on Jeremie Boga
By Tom Gott
Chelsea are reported to be considering a move for Porto winger Jesús Corona if they miss out on Borussia Dortmund's Jadon Sancho this summer.
Sancho is one of the most in-demand talents around, but his price tag of over £100m will prove problematic as clubs across Europe are still dealing with the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Chelsea do still have money to spare, but it is Manchester United who are leading the race for Sancho's signature. As a result, the Daily Star claim that Frank Lampard could turn to Corona as a cheaper alternative.
The 27-year-old, who can also fill in at right-back if needed, has managed two goals and 17 assists in all competitions this season, with Chelsea scouts believed to have highlighted his creativity to the powers that be at Stamford Bridge.
While he's hardly the blockbuster signing which Chelsea fans would want, his price tag of around £26m makes him an intriguing option.
?⚪ Marega gives Porto an early lead!
— Premier Sports ? (@PremierSportsTV) January 5, 2020
⚽ An incredible pass from Jesus Corona takes the Sporting defence out of play, and looks to have caught the keeper off guard
? All it took was a touch from Marega from there, and it's a dream start for the visitors! pic.twitter.com/oc7LUNDUFJ
It's no secret that Chelsea want to upgrade in a number of positions this summer. 90min understands the pre-coronavirus plan was to spend big on a striker and centre-back, so splashing out £26m on Corona would obviously leave funds available to pursue other targets.
With both Willian and Pedro potentially walking away from the Bridge when their contracts expire this summer, Lampard will likely need some more options out wide. He has already landed Hakim Ziyech from Ajax, but one man who won't be joining him is former academy star Jeremie Boga.
The Ivorian has enjoyed a stunning season with Sassuolo, and given Chelsea have a buy-back clause of around £13m, he was touted as a likely option this summer, but The Guardian state that the Blues have declined such a move.
Instead, Chelsea are trying to swap this buy-back clause for a percentage of a future sale, with Boga still expected to seal a transfer this summer.
It's an interesting strategy. Chelsea could just buy Boga back and flip him themselves for maximum profit, but they will instead leave Sassuolo to find a buyer and simply take a chunk of any money earned.