Southampton are playing in the Europa League at his moment, against Hapoel Be’er Sheva, with Nathan Redmond keeping his place up front. The winger has been reinvented as a striker under Claude Puel this season, using his speed to great effect keeping sides pinned back. Last weekend he tore West Ham apart on the big pitch at the Olympic Stadium.
Redmond’s speed and energy are the exact ingredients that Chelsea have been missing from their side over the last 18 months. With the exception of the flickering Eden Hazard, who plays at his best for a game or two before disappearing, and the flagging Willian, whose performances have tailed off after he carried the team for so long, the Blues have little speed in attack. Redmond would also be a good buy in that he would help with fulfilling the requirements for home grown players in European competitions – something Chelsea will seriously struggle with should they ever get back into them.
Gareth Southgate’s promotion to temporary England manager will in all likelihood mean him bringing players from the U21s with him – the Southern Daily Echo are amongst those suggesting Redmond will be one of them. This will raise Redmond’s price dramatically, as will continued good performances for Southampton. Antonio Conte should be encouraging his board to get a deal in place as soon as possible.