Chelsea have added Nottingham Forest star Brennan Johnson to their list of potential targets. Although the Reds won’t want to actively sell him, they could use interest from the Blues to sign a player they desperately need.
According to The Guardian, Chelsea are now going to flick their attention to Johnson after Michael Olise decided to stay at Crystal Palace.
The report claims that Chelsea are prepared to offer Forest cash plus players. In talented defender Ian Maatsen, the Blues have a player on their books that the Reds are in desperate need of.
It seems for all the world as though Johnson will leave the club this summer. Now, it’s up to the people behind the scenes at Forest to ensure that they receive the best deal possible for the player.
The Reds are in the market for a new left-back this summer. Ola Aina started at Arsenal on the opening day but ultimately, the club will need another one before the transfer window closes.
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Maatsen was linked with a move to Forest earlier during the transfer window. Shortly after those links, however, the player was handed a reprieve by Mauricio Pochettino and featured prominently during pre-season.
Now, he’s likely to be allowed to leave one way or another this summer. Last season, he was on loan with Burnley and he played a very instrumental part in their romp to the Championship title.
The player has also been on loan with Coventry. He was called ‘exceptional’ during his time there by goalkeeper Simon Moore who clearly saw what the youngster was capable of.
Forest should use Chelsea interest in Johnson to land Maatsen
This is one player that has to be included in any deal that involves Johnson going to Stamford Bridge. Callum Hudson-Odoi and Trevoh Chalobah could also be in the question but they’re not quite as exciting as Maatsen.
For starters with Hudson-Odoi, he’s had his injury issues. Also, he’s not really the same sort of player as Johnson so adding him as a potential replacement makes little sense.
Chalobah is an interesting one. He fits the athleticism and mobility mantra that Steve Cooper wants to add, but he might need convincing to come to the club.
Maatsen is the one though. He’s only 21-years-old and Forest would be adding him to their ranks ahead of his best years and with an abundance of potential resale value.
Losing Johnson wouldn’t be ideal but a wad of cash plus Maatsen would definitely help soften the blow if he does go to Chelsea.