Southampton and Derby want Chelsea youngster George Nunn - Jacob Steinberg
Chelsea midfielder George Nunn is attracting “heavy interest” from Derby and Southampton, according to Guardian reporter Jacob Steinberg.
The 20-year-old can play as a forward or an attacking midfielder on either side, as well as filling in further back, but is yet to feature for the senior side at Stamford Bridge.
Behind various players in all of his positions in terms of breaking into the first team under Thomas Tuchel a move looks like being on the cards.
Steinberg wrote on his personal Twitter account on Monday afternoon (1 July): “Chelsea youngster George Nunn has heavy interest from Derby and Southampton.
“Both trying to sign the midfielder. Southampton obviously the bigger draw but Derby could offer first-team football”.
Southampton have had recent success picking up young talent from the Blues after taking Armando Broja on loan in 2021/22, and signing Tino Livramento on a permanent deal along with Daniel Simeu.
Options
Given the straight choice between the two suitors it would usually be sensible for a player without any senior experience to choose the lower league side and feature more.
However, given the turmoil which caused the Rams to be relegated to the third tier, a permanent move that far away from the Premier League would be a risk.
A loan could be a strong learning experience, but given Ralph Hasenhuttl’s recent track record of putting youngsters into the team to good effect St. Mary’s has to be an attractive option.
Although a relatively prolific goalscorer for the Chelsea under-18s, with 14 in 36 appearances, his production in this area has dropped off since he made the step up in ages to the under-23s, after spending time at wing-back.
Considering he has developed at Cobham it is perhaps a surprise that he has reached this age without spending extensive time out on loan.
Now with just a year left on his contract at the club he looks like he could be on the move, with the Saints apparently in pole position as he has been allowed to train with them already [Football London].
In other Chelsea news, the club has been quoted £45million for Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolves.