Chelsea monitoring £25m Como midfielder Lucas Da Cunha to bolster midfield in 2027

Chelsea are eyeing a move for Como midfielder Lucas Da Cunha, according to TEAMtalk. The 25-year-old Frenchman, valued at £25m by Transfermarkt, has impressed with his recoveries and passing. The Blues face competition from Liverpool, Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for his signature.

  • Player: Lucas Da Cunha (Como, midfielder, 25)
  • Reported fee: £25m (Transfermarkt valuation)
  • Interested clubs: Chelsea, Liverpool, Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth
  • Da Cunha's stats: 7.12 recoveries per game, 94% pass success
  • Da Cunha's current contract: Recently extended with Como
  • Potential move: Chelsea looking to bolster midfield in 2027

Deal details

Chelsea have expressed interest in signing Lucas Da Cunha from Como, according to TEAMtalk. The midfielder is valued at £25m by Transfermarkt. Da Cunha joined Como from Nice in 2023 and has been a key part of their resurgence, helping them gain promotion to Serie A in his first season. He has since amassed 77 appearances for the club.

Last season, Da Cunha featured in all but two of Como's 38 Serie A games, playing across different midfield positions to help the club achieve historic UEFA Champions League qualification. In the ongoing campaign, he has been ever-present in all of Como's fixtures, including the memorable 4-1 UEFA Champions League win over RB Leipzig, where he captained the team.

According to TEAMtalk, Chelsea have placed the 25-year-old on their radar. The report reveals that Premier League clubs, including Chelsea, had been keeping tabs on his progress and even made contact to sign him before he ultimately decided to extend his contract with Como. Despite his fresh new contract, the Blues are closely monitoring the French international as they look to bolster their midfield ranks in 2027. However, Chelsea are set to face stern competition from Liverpool, Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth, who are all keeping tabs on the 25-year-old, TEAMtalk adds.

The numbers

  • 7.12 – Da Cunha's recoveries per game this season
  • 94% – Da Cunha's successful passes
  • 77 – Appearances for Como since their promotion to Serie A
  • 38 – Serie A games last season; Da Cunha featured in all but two
  • £25m – Transfermarkt valuation

Why Chelsea need Da Cunha: a tactical fix for midfield woes

Chelsea's midfield has been a problem area this season, with manager Xabi Alonso struggling to find a settled combination. The Blues have used Reece James, Malo Gusto, Romeo Lavia, Jordan Henderson and Valentin Barco in midfield, yet they look exposed and vulnerable during transitions. With only two wins from their opening five games, including a disappointing 2-0 loss to Brentford before the international break, the need for a specialist defensive midfielder is clear.

Lucas Da Cunha profiles as an ideal solution. His 7.12 recoveries per game and 94% pass success rate demonstrate his ability to win the ball back and distribute it efficiently. Described as 'exceptional' by his former Lausanne-Sport teammate Stjepan Kukuruzovic, Da Cunha would provide the defensive shield Chelsea lack, allowing the more creative players to push forward. His versatility across midfield positions is a bonus, and his leadership qualities—evidenced by captaining Como in the Champions League—would be invaluable in a young Chelsea squad.

However, securing his signature will not be straightforward. Da Cunha recently signed a new contract with Como, and the Italian club will be reluctant to sell. Furthermore, Chelsea face competition from Liverpool, Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth. Liverpool, in particular, have also had a mixed start and could offer Da Cunha a prominent role. The race for his signature is likely to intensify, and Chelsea may need to act quickly to avoid missing out.

Talking points

  • Can Da Cunha adapt to the Premier League's pace and physicality, or will he struggle like other imports from Serie A?
  • Is £25m a fair price for a 25-year-old with limited top-flight experience outside of one good season?
  • Should Chelsea prioritise a more proven midfielder, or is Da Cunha the right profile for their needs?
  • With competition from Liverpool and others, will Chelsea regret not signing him before he extended his Como contract?

What happens next

Chelsea will continue to monitor Da Cunha's performances, particularly in Como's upcoming Serie A and Champions League fixtures. The club is expected to make a decision on whether to formalise their interest in the coming months, with the January transfer window a potential opportunity. However, any move is more likely to materialise in the summer of 2027, when Chelsea plan to overhaul their midfield. The Blues' next match, against Brentford, will be another chance for Alonso to assess his current options before the international break.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Lucas Da Cunha?

Lucas Da Cunha is a 25-year-old French midfielder who plays for Como. He joined from Nice in 2023 and has been a key player in their rise to Serie A and Champions League qualification.

How much would Chelsea have to pay for Da Cunha?

Transfermarkt values Da Cunha at £25m, but Como may demand a higher fee given his importance and recent contract extension.

Are Chelsea likely to sign Da Cunha in January?

The report suggests Chelsea are monitoring him for a potential move in 2027, so a January transfer is unlikely. However, the situation could change if Chelsea's midfield struggles continue.

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