Exclusive links Chelsea to explosive full back – but Enzo Maresca system may shut down interest | OneFootball

We’ve been waiting for this rumour to come along, and here we have it.

PSG left back Nuno Mendes is still on the initial contract he signed when joining the Parisians from Sporting, and it’s now heading into its final 18 months.

Recent weeks have seen talk about Manchester United interest in the Portugal star, along with plenty of other top European sides. Our writer Simon Phillips has today added Chelsea’s name to the mix, writing on his Substack that:

“Chelsea have many names on the left back shortlist, but the latest one we are now hearing about via a top SPTC source, is PSG’s Nuno Mendes.”

There’s a strong chance all this talk about a potential move is just to get a bigger and better contract for Mendes – but there’s no reason Chelsea wouldn’t at least try to tempt him, especially on a reduced fee or a free transfer in a year’s time.

Mendes a brilliant player – but not the right fit for Maresca’s system

Nuno Mendes whips in a cross. (Photo by Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images for Qatar Airways)

We’re huge Nuno Mendes fans here – he’s so explosive and dynamic. He makes things happen. He’s a total menace and the type of speedster who fans love to watch. There is a problem however – that kind of flying full back who gets forward around the outside and tries to hit the byline is really not what Enzo Maresca wants.

Our coach likes the opposite – players suited to coming inside and playing narrow, who are better on the ball and comfortable in tight spaces. The Mendes model is just not what Maresca is interested in. Ben Chilwell has been sat on the bench all year because of it, and even if we can get an amazing deal for Mendes, we sadly just can’t see it happening while Maresca is in charge.