Chelsea enter race for Belgium star Axel Witsel

 

 

Chelsea already have several Belgium stars on their roster, but could be increasing that number if they can bring their latest target to Stamford Bridge – Zenit St. Petersburg central midfielder Axel Witsel.

According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea have begun discussing a move for Witsel while they wait on the outcome of their bid for Witsel’s Belgium teammate Radja Nainggolan.

The Daily Mail noted that Everton have been considered favourites to sign Witsel as a potential replacement for Gareth Barry, Leon Osman and/or Steven Pienaar.

Witsel scored six goals and made two assists in 45 total appearances for Zenit this past season. In four seasons with the Russian Premier League giants, Witsel has 105 appearances and scored 15 goals.

At the international level, Witsel has been capped 69 times for Belgium and has scored seven goals – the most recent of which came in the Euro 2016 group stage against Ireland.

Belgium staring goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and vice-captain Eden Hazard both play for Chelsea.

Liverpool get their Mane

Liverpool have completed the signing of Sadio Mane from Southampton.

BBC Sport reports that the Senegalese forward, who scored 25 goals in 75 games for the Saints, has signed a long-term contract at Anfield for a fee which could rise to as high as £36m.

That would eclipse the Liverpool transfer record of £35m that they paid Newcastle United for Andy Carroll in 2011, although BBC Sport claims that the initial fee is slightly less at £34m.

Mane is Liverpool’s third signing of the summer after goalkeeper Loris Karius from Mainz and defender Joel Matip from Schalke as Jurgen Klopp looks to mould his Reds squad for next season.

The 24-year-old is the fifth player to switch St Mary’s Stadium for Merseyside in the last three years, following Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana, Dejan Lovren and Nathaniel Clyne.

Mane told Liverpool’s official website: “It’s a club that has won a lot of trophies and has a big history. Now I am looking forward to meeting all the staff and my teammates and starting the season.”

And it is the latest high-profile loss that the Saints have suffered this summer. Manager Ronald Koeman quit for Everton and midfielder Victor Wanyama left for Tottenham Hotspur.