MY ACCOUNT
Thomas Tuchel’s recent comments about Reece James teased the arrival of a new wing-back at Chelsea this summer.
Prior to Wednesday’s 4-2 derby defeat to Arsenal, Tuchel claimed the England international might not be able to play a full season in such a physically demanding role.
That potentially opens the door for a fresh face at Stamford Bridge — but who could the West Londoners bring in to take some of the strain off their No24?
Ahead of this afternoon’s clash with West Ham, we pick out five potential targets.
Tino Livramento
Tino Livramento has been a sensation for Southampton in his first season of senior football, so could Chelsea re-sign their former academy graduate?
They do reportedly have a buy-back clause, though it is believed to only become active from 2023.
That may not stop the Blues from testing the Saints’ resolve with a bid this summer. However, it would hardly feel like a financially sensible decision in the circumstances.
Of course, that is assuming there is no interest from elsewhere that might force Chelsea’s arm — and Manchester United have been linked with a move for the 19-year-old defender.
Achraf Hakimi
Ahead of switch to Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea reportedly offered Inter Milan £56.1million for Achraf Hakimi.
They could well make another approach this time around, with Hakimi reportedly already wanting out of the Ligue 1 giants.
Stories of friction between the Moroccan and some members of the PSG dressing room mean a switch to West London could be an attractive option.
Given Hakimi still has four years left to run on his deal at the Parc des Princes though, Chelsea would have to cough up a considerable amount of cash to secure his signature.
But at just 23 years of age, he has has plenty of time to realise his full potential.
Denzel Dumfries
Another option could be Hakimi’s replacement at Inter, devastating Dutch international Denzel Dumfries.
In his first season with the Serie A champions, the 26-year-old ace has averaged 0.87 shots on target per 90 minutes of league football. That is more than any other full-back or wing-back in the division to play at least 900 minutes.
Those attacking instincts have helped Dumfries find the net four times for the Nerazzurri in the league so far, including two headed goals — something the Rotterdam native has a knack for, as he showed with his late winner against Ukraine at Euro 2020.
Matty Cash
One of Aston Villa’s most consistent performers over the last couple of campaigns, Matty Cash is attracting plenty of admirers.
Indeed, there has recently been talk of Spanish champions Atletico Madrid showing interest in the Poland international.
While he is capable of cropping up with a cracking finish every now and then, the 24-year-old star stands out as one of the more no-nonsense defenders in England’s top flight.
His average of 2.49 tackles attempted per 90 places him 14th among Premier League full-backs or wing-backs to have featured for at least 900 minutes this term.
Dujon Sterling
Perhaps the answer to Chelsea’s right wing-back conundrum could already be on their books.
Dujon Sterling, 22, has returned from a long-term illness to enjoy an eye-catching campaign for Blackpool in the Championship, helping them comfortably secure safety in their first season back in the second tier.
Tuchel is said to have been impressed by what he saw during pre-season from Sterling, who would not be the first of the Blues’ extensive collection of loanees to go on and star in the top tier for their parent club.
