Chelsea and Arsenal set to battle AGAIN for LaLiga midfielder
Yunus Musah’s Valencia was defeated 2-0 by Real Madrid last night which leaves them in 14th position in La Liga. However, there could be light at the end of the tunnel for the U.S. men’s national team player.
The transfer window may be closed but there will still be speculation over players’ futures. Midway through January, Fabrizio Romano revealed that “USMNT star Yunus Musah, expected to complete current season with Valencia despite strong interest from many top clubs around Europe, including London rivals Chelsea and Arsenal.
“Understand Chelsea tracking him for long time alongside Inter and Arsenal but summer move is the most likely solution.”
A player of Musah’s talent cannot stay at a struggling Valencia side forever and a move to a move to the Premier League could be on the horizon.
Should Musah join Chelsea?
Although moving to Chelsea would be a step up for Musah, the Blues are currently not having the best of seasons. Graham Potter’s side is tenth in the Premier League and has recently gone on a spending spree to try and rectify this.
Their signings in January included Enzo Fernandez who joined for a British record fee. The Argentine plays in central-midfield like Musah so the club may not have room for both.
Musah’s USMNT teammate Christian Pulisic has found playing time limited at Stamford Bridge. Therefore, it may be best to look elsewhere.
Or should he go to Arsenal?
Musah spent time at Arsenal’s academy so a return to North London would be fitting for the player. The Gunners are top of the league and are an attractive team to join at the moment.
However, Mikel Arteta’s side is linked with a move for Declan Rice from West Ham United in the summer. With Rice playing in the same position as Musah it may be tough for the American to break into the team if both moves come to fruition.
Would Inter be a better option?
As well as spending time at Arsenal in his youth career, Musah also played in Italy for Giorgione. So a move back to northern Italy could be tempting for the player.
Inter are currently second in Serie A. Although he would still have a challenge breaking into their lineup, as their current options in centre-midfield include Nicolo Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu and Roberto Gagliardini.
The young American has a tough decision to make
Wherever Musah goes he will have better players to compete with for a starting place. He is just 20 years old and already has made 90 appearances for Valencia.
Musah has also played 23 times for the USMNT and has formed an impressive bond with Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams in midfield for his country. McKennie and Adams are both now at Leeds United and to have Musah in the Premier League too would be great for their development.
The USA are co-hosting the World Cup in 2026 and they will be hoping that their ‘MMA’ midfield trio have played in the best league ahead of that tournament.
There is still a long time to go until the summer transfer window. Right now Musah must be focussing on making sure his Valencia side avoids relegation, as they are currently just one point above the drop zone.
Musah’s next game for Valencia is away to Girona on Sunday, February 5th.