Chelsea step up interest in Kobbie Mainoo to replace Romeo Lavia | OneFootball

Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has become a hot transfer target for Chelsea this summer.

Last week, The Peoples Person noted that Man United entered contract renewal talks with Mainoo in a bid to keep him at Old Trafford.

Given his high wage demands, however, it appeared as if negotiations would not go as smoothly as United probably wanted.

Later, it was reported that Mainoo was leaning towards leaving the club in favour of moving abroad, which may have boosted a Premier League rival’s confidence in striking what would have initially been considered an unlikely deal.

CaughtOffside reported today that Chelsea are aiming to sign Mainoo this summer.

This comes amid fitness concerns over fellow midfielder Romeo Lavia.

“Chelsea are preparing to step up their pursuit of Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo this summer as doubts grow over Romeo Lavia’s long-term fitness, CaughtOffside has been told. The young Belgian has endured a nightmare spell with injuries since his £58 million move from Southampton in the summer of 2023,” the article stated.

“A series of muscle and ankle problems have kept him sidelined for nearly the entire of his debut season, while he has clocked up just 588 minutes of action this term and isn’t expected to return until the end of the month.”

“With Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo yet to fully click in midfield, Chelsea see Mainoo as a player who could add quality and balance to their squad,” the report continued. Still, there does seem to be an obstacle in the way of Chelsea’s efforts to sign the rising star.

“However, a move wouldn’t be straightforward. As has been reported elsewhere, his wage demands would put him in line with Cole Palmer in Chelsea’s pay structure,” the report explained, meaning that Mainoo’s high wage demands could detract Chelsea and potentially other suitors from pursuing him this summer.

A former United academy player, Mainoo has become a major asset to the club in the midfield, only for a calf injury to disrupt his season.

Still, with United reportedly only looking to engage in negotiations with Mainoo once he returns to action, it may take a while before the youngster’s path forward becomes clear.

Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social