Chelsea have joined a whole host of clubs reportedly showing interest in Championship full-back Djed Spence this summer. The 21-year-old has impressed on loan at Nottingham Forest this season, aiding their promotion push.
The right-back has made 46 appearances this season, including an eye-catching display against Arsenal in the FA Cup, where Forest managed to knock out their Premier League opponents. His chemistry with fellow youngster Brennan Johnson on the right has made them a force to be reckoned with in the second tier, with both tipped to do big things.
A number of clubs have since been linked, but manager Steve Cooper has been quick to brush off the speculation, saying: “I'm not sure how much of it is true. And if it is, it’s not going to be information which comes to us because we’re not his parent club. I’m not sure if any of it is true. It might be, it might not.
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“He’s with us now until the end of the season, so I’m only focused on his training, if he plays at the weekend what his performance should look like and just trying to work with a good, young player. He’s a really good young guy, and we’re trying to work with him in getting the best out of himself. If he does that, then we’re all benefitting.”
In proving himself, a number of sides such as Arsenal, Tottenham, Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Barcelona have been rumoured with a transfer. Other reports have claimed that his parent club, Middlesbrough, would be willing to let him leave the club for £12-to-17million.
However, according to TeamTalk, Chelsea have also joined the race to sign the youngster. Given the links to other teams, it comes as little surprise that the Blues would want to add their name to the list of suitors.
With Cesar Azpilicueta on a short-term deal, Reece James is the only long-term wing-back option on the right side. This leaves Thomas Tuchel potentially short of options on that flank, especially if James sustains another injury as he has done this season, or if the German coach wishes to use him at centre-back.
With uncertainty surrounding the future of the club, it remains to be seen exactly what business the club can do. However, with the opportunity to sign an up-and-coming youngster to fill the squad, Spence could be a good option for the Blues.
