Chelsea Eyes McAtee Amidst Transfer Interest

According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea is reportedly evaluating the potential acquisition of McAtee as the winter transfer market opens on New Year’s Day. The report suggests that the West London club may encounter significant competition from Leeds United, who are also keen on the 23-year-old midfielder.

Leeds came close to signing Brighton and Hove Albion’s attacking midfielder, Facundo Buonanotte, during the transfer deadline in September, but Chelsea ultimately secured the Argentina international on a season-long loan.

The Mail’s report further indicates that Chelsea’s manager, Maresca, holds McAtee in high regard, having previously coached him, along with current Chelsea players Cole Palmer and Liam Delap, during his tenure managing Manchester City’s Elite Development Squad from 2020 to 2021.

After captaining England’s U21 team to their second consecutive European Championship victory in June, McAtee transferred to Nottingham Forest in August for a deal worth up to £30 million (€34 million/$40.5 million), signing a five-year contract. In a statement on the club’s official website, he expressed his eagerness for a new challenge, stating, “I feel ready for a new challenge and the Club had a great season last year, so I want to help build on that and show what I can do. I’m so happy to be here and really looking forward to getting started with my new teammates.”

During his loan spells at Sheffield United from 2022 to 2024, McAtee played a crucial role in helping the Blades secure promotion to the Premier League in the 2022-23 season. However, he found first-team opportunities limited at Manchester City, making only 15 top-flight appearances in the previous season.

Having signed with Nuno Espirito Santo for the current campaign, McAtee witnessed the manager’s dismissal after merely three league matches. Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou took over but was removed after a tumultuous 39-day spell, leaving ex-Everton and Burnley boss Sean Dyche as his successor.

Under Dyche’s leadership, Nottingham Forest seems to be stabilizing, yet McAtee has only made three starts in the Europa League, appearing against Sturm Graz, Malmo, and Utrecht. He recently participated in a brief 17-minute appearance during a league match against Fulham and remained an unused substitute in a 2-1 loss to his former club, Manchester City.

As the January transfer window approaches, McAtee’s future remains uncertain, while Manchester City aims to maintain their impressive form, having secured their eighth consecutive victory across all competitions. They currently sit second in the league, just two points behind leaders Arsenal.

Meanwhile, Chelsea is looking to recover from a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa as they prepare to host Bournemouth next Tuesday. Maresca’s side has struggled lately, winning only one of their last six league matches, with their most recent victory coming against Everton on December 13, accompanied by draws against Arsenal, Bournemouth, and Newcastle United. Additionally, Chelsea faced a 3-1 defeat against Leeds on December 3.