Marina Granovskaia has hinted that Chelsea could finally complete their unorthodox transfer project this summer, following the club's latest interest in Serge Gnabry.
According to German outlet Bild, Thomas Tuchel's side are 'interested' in securing the Bayern Munich forward's signature amid 'complicated' contract talks at the Allianz Arena.
The report adds that Gnabry, who sees his current deal with the Bundesliga champions expire at the end of next season, 'likes London' but the Blues face competition from a host of Europe's leading sides.
While the 26-year-old forward may seem to be just another bouquet that the west Londoners want to add for their flower show, the root of Chelsea's interest is planted far deeper.
Should Chelsea complete the signing of Gnabry, the Germany international would join the growing left-footed contingent at Cobham that currently comprises of Romelu Lukaku, Kai Havertz, Hakim Ziyech, Saul Niguez, Marcos Alonso, Ben Chilwell and Malang Sarr.
The Blues' interest in the former Arsenal prospect offers a glimpse into the blueprint behind Granovskaia's transfer plan that looks to arm Tuchel with the artillery to combat Manchester City's and Liverpool's Premier League dominance.
With Gnabry reportedly now on Chelsea's radar, it fuels a conversation about whether the club's interest is to combat the overhaul of left-footed players a the club which has seen a tactical imbalance at Stamford Bridge.
A recent study - from September 2020 - found that just 12.1% of all people, let alone footballers, are left-footed, highlighting the rare opportunity for Chelsea to optimise such a high concentration of world-class left-footers.
By offering a greater depth and variety to the progressive ball carriers and goal creators in the side, Tuchel is able to engineer an exciting number of new avenues to explore rather than being restricted to an often orthodox right-footed build-up.
Adding him to the Blues' armoury, Chelsea will be able to vary their overloads more fluidly, creating more angles via chance-creation and general possession play.
The £63m-rated winger, who has directly contributed towards 21 goals in 31 appearances across all competitions for Bayern this season, would fuel a new left-footed dimension and 'something sweet' to the west Londoner's attack should a deal come to fruition.
Speaking in November 2020, Frank Lampard commented on the need for left-footed players, which has led to an overhaul, highlighting the unique opportunities that players like Gnabry - as a right-footer - can combat.
"You see quality left-footed players, and there is something sweet about them generally," said Lampard.
"In football, we always think that about them. As a coach, you see someone who can find a pass as a lefty. You tend to see that."
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