CHELSEA could look to snap up several Manchester City outcasts if Vincent Kompany arrives as manager.
The Burnley boss has reportedly been added to Chelsea’s shortlist of targets, with the Blues said to be admirers of the work he has done at Turf Moor.
Kompany, 37, has guided the Clarets back to the Premier League at the first time of asking and is on course to achieve more than 100 points.
Chelsea would be a big step up for the inexperienced manager so he could call on a few old pals if he gets the gig.
Manchester City’s rotation policy means big names like Kyle Walker and Aymeric Laporte have found themselves out of the team in recent weeks.
Walker’s long-term future was cast into doubt earlier this month after Pep Guardiola admitted the right-back is struggling to adapt to new tactical demands.
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The City boss claims it might not be possible for Walker to change and with less than 18 months left on his contract the right-back could be available in the summer.
Laporte is another player who has been frozen out at the Etihad and limited to just eight Prem appearances this season, while Ilkay Gundogan’s contract expires in June.
Kompany played with both at City and would be able to count on their Prem experience at Stamford Bridge.
Another player Kompany knows he can rely on is left-back Ian Maatsen.
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The 21-year-old has had a successful season on loan at Burnley and the positive for Chelsea is that he is already contracted to the club.
He is already familiar with Kompany’s style of play and would add pace on the left flank – his return of four goals and six assists shows the Dutchman is capable of going forward too.
Chelsea could even make a bold move for Joao Cancelo who joined Bayern Munich on loan in January after falling out with Guardiola.
Kompany also has several contacts from his years playing with the Belgian national team.
Romelu Lukaku, another Chelsea player currently out on loan, could be welcomed back into the set-up.
His compatriot Yannick Carrasco could add versatility and has been linked to Chelsea in the past, as has Borussia Dortmund right-back and Belgium international Thomas Meunier.
Finally, Kompany could look to bolster his midfield with the capture of Romeo Lavia.
The Southampton star has caught the eye since his summer move from City, but Chelsea are believed to be leading the race for the Belgian amid interest from Manchester United.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
