Report: Chelsea want to sign key Liverpool starter worth £31.5million

Liverpool and Netherlands midfielder Gini Wijnaldum is a surprising target for Premier League rivals Chelsea.

That is according to Spanish outlet Marca, who claim that the London club has registered an interest in Wijnaldum.

After spending close to £250 million last summer, a move for Gini on a free makes perfect sense for Chelsea. After replacing Frank Lampard, new manager Thomas Tuchel will look to bring his own players in the summer.

Chelsea currently have Mateo Kovacic, N'Golo Kante and Jorginho as their more 'defensive minded' midfielders. However, Jorginho has failed to shine during his time in England and Kante's selling price is only going to decrease with age.

The sale of one or two of these and the arrival of Gini could be good business for Chelsea.

However, if Gini Wijnaldum was to leave this summer, a move to another Premier League club just does not make sense. Having come to the league in 2015 when signing for Newcastle United, Gini has spent six years in England.

At this stage of his career and turning 31 later this year, a move abroad may appeal more.

A move to Barcelona to be reunited with former Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman has appeared to be the likeliest move. However, here at Anfield Central, we reported that Wijnaldum is still yet to make a decision on his future.

It will be a sad day once Gini Wijanldum leaves given what he has done for the club but we'd rather it not be for a title rival.