Michael Essien has already told Chelsea exactly why they must sign Andreas Schjelderup
Michael Essien has worked closely with new Chelsea target Andreas Schjelderup and backed him to succeed at one of the world's biggest clubs as his career progresses.
New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso is looking to bolster his forward line in the summer transfer window.
Tyrique George has already left the Blues permanently for Everton, while widespread reports have claimed that Alejandro Garnacho will be allowed to leave too.
Blues fans should be excited about the potential of Schjelderup moving to Stamford Bridge, given what club hero Essien has said about him in the past.
He shone at the World Cup with Norway recently, opening the scoring against England before they were knocked out in extra time.
Michael Essien thinks Andreas Schjelderup has 'everything it takes' to play at the top level
Schjelderup also registered two assists in Norway's round of 16 win against Brazil and another in their group stage loss to France.
He earned a regular starting spot in their side after registering 11 goals and six assists in 46 appearances for Benfica last season.
The left winger came through Nordsjaelland's youth ranks and featured for their first team before joining Benfica in 2023.
He worked closely alongside ex-Chelsea star Essien at the club, after he became an assistant and player coach in 2020.
Essien could not speak highly enough of Chelsea's latest target in an interview with VG in May, saying: "Schjelde has everything it takes to take even bigger steps. The sky’s the limit. Schjelderup can play for the world’s biggest clubs, and I’d obviously love to see him at Real Madrid or one of the other big clubs.
“I watch Benfica matches whenever I can. When Andreas (Schjelderup) runs with the ball, it almost looks as though he’s quicker with the ball than without it. Not many players have that. When he gets going, he’s hard to stop.
"First, of course, you see the talent. He’s extremely skilful and incredibly comfortable on the ball, but then you see the person. He was respectful. He listened. He asked questions all the time. He wanted to learn. Many young players try to do difficult things. Andreas made it look easy."
It is clear that Schjelderup has what it takes to be a success at Chelsea, and they could well accelerate a move ahead of other clubs in the coming weeks.
What has been said about Schjelderup leaving Benfica?
Sources have revealed to Football Insider that Chelsea want to sell Garnacho due to concerns over his conduct in the dressing room when he is not selected.
Schjelderup seems to be a calmer character, as shown by Essien's quotes, but it certainly does seem as if he is pushing to leave Benfica this summer.
He has so far refused to sign a new contract, with his existing one set to expire in 2028, and general manager Mario Branco has put the onus on the 22-year-old to make his decision soon.
Speaking last month, he said: "We made an official offer to renew his contract…we’re waiting patiently, without any pressure. We’ve been in contact with him; we want him to focus on the national team right now. When Schjelderup returns from the World Cup, we’ll sit down with him and his representatives and resolve the situation.”