Chelsea’s last few transfer windows have seen them address the problems that came from the start of the Todd Boehly era.
No longer a free-spending giant, the Blues have signed well in the last 18 months to put together a side who are mounting a genuine title challenge.
Enzo Maresca has led his side to just four points away from the top of the league at the moment, whilst also being able to rotate his side to dominate in Europe too.
Pundits have at times questioned whether Chelsea are up to the task defensively to mount a serious title challenge. Jamie Redknapp thought Benoit Badiashile looked uncomfortable during the 4-3 win over Tottenham.
Recent champions Manchester City have built their foundations on a strong defence, with their top performer in four title-winning campaigns being Ruben Dias after his £65m move.
Manchester City's Ruben Dias during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Etihad Stadium on December 04, ...
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Chelsea want ‘massive deal’ to sign Ruben Dias
Chelsea were quoted as being interested in signing Dias at the end of this season, although acknowledged that it would be a difficult deal to pull off,
Simon Phillips has claimed that Chelsea are still keen on pulling off what has been described as a ‘massive deal’.
He said on his Substack: “As you will remember, we reported our interest in Ruben Dias of Manchester City some months back, and the source has once again mentioned him as one to keep a close eye on.
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“It would be a ‘massive deal’ to do but that is the kind of calibre they would ideally love to bring.”
How Chelsea could line-up with Ruben Dias
It may need to be a shift in personnel from Maresca if Dias is brought in, with him most likely to partner Levi Colwill.
However, Wesley Fofana’s athleticism is certainly a strength that is relied on in their current setup, with him frequently finding himself in wide areas.
Dias would perform far better at the heart of defence, which could see a change-up that brings Colwill out wider, a role he notably didn’t enjoy playing under Mauricio Pochettino last season.