Chelsea backed to complete £40m Allan Saint-Maximin deal as contact made – pundit
Noel Whelan has insisted the Chelsea fans “would love” for their club to complete a £40million deal for Allan Saint-Maximin this summer.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the 25-year-old’s price tag is justified as he is someone who can get supporters on the edge of their seats.
According to The Athletic (19 July), Chelsea and Tottenham – as well as sides in Europe – have enquired about the services of Saint-Maximin through intermediaries this summer.
The report claims the Stamford Bridge side have been put off by Newcastle’s £40million valuation of the winger.
Saint-Maximin, who notched five goals and five assists last term, is out of contract at St James’ Park in June 2026.
As per FBref, the Frenchman recorded 140 successful dribbles in the 2021-22 campaign – the most in the Premier League ahead of Dwight McNeil (75).
Whelan insisted he is not surprised to see “bigger clubs” circling for the former Nice star’s services.
He told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “If you’re looking at players in the Premier League who can create something out of nothing, he’s one of them.
“He’s got pace, he’s got strength, he’s got good delivery from the wide areas. He’s a signing that I think the Chelsea fans would love.
“He gets you on the edge of your seat and off your feet – you don’t know what he’s going to do next.
“That blistering pace means he can turn defence into attack within seconds.
“When it works at one club it doesn’t always translate to another, bigger club – but he will attract attention from the best clubs in the league.
“That’ll always be the case because of what he brings to the table.”
In other news, pundit tips Chelsea to sanction £24million exit for flop after journalist’s reveal.