Former Manchester City defender Richard Dunne thinks one Premier League star could be perfect for Chelsea.
Right now, Chelsea do not appear to be thinking about the January transfer window. The Blues are currently second in the table and will want to concentrate on that.
Enzo Maresca was asked about Chelsea’s transfer plans on Wednesday and said: “No, we are not thinking at all about the January transfer window. We still have many games before that. We still have many games before January and the focus is on the amount of games before that.”
However, when the Blues do decide to dip into the market, Dunne thinks they could end up targeting a Premier League defender.
TOPSHOT - Everton's English defender #32 Jarrad Branthwaite (L) vies with Chelsea's Senegalese striker #15 Nicolas Jackson (R) during the English P...
Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images
Richard Dunne envisions Chelsea interest in Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite
Manchester United failed to sign Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite in the summer, meaning that he is still available.
It was claimed that Everton wanted £80m for the 22-year-old, a fee that could perhaps deter Chelsea.
Dunne, though, can imagine the Blues registering an interest in Branthwaite. He told LondonWorld: “I think a few clubs will be looking at him. If Manchester United’s interest has moved on with all of the changes that are happening at the club, then I think a team like Chelsea would definitely be interested in him. I think he has the right kind of profile to play for them and any of the top four clubs.”
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According to journalist Simon Phillips, Chelsea have actually scouted Branthwaite this season.
Richard Dunne has no concerns about Jarrad Branthwaite playing for Chelsea
Everton to Chelsea would be a huge the step up for Branthwaite, who is still quite young at 22.
Chelsea are competing in Europe and look like a team capable of challenging for the Premier League title again.
Nevertheless, Dunne has no concerns about the England international joining Chelsea or another club of their stature.
“I don’t have any concerns about his ability to play for a club that are expected to win more football games than they lose and challenge for titles,” the retired Republic of Ireland international said. “Jarrad Branthwaite can definitely operate at the top end of the table in the Premier League.”
Chelsea signed Tosin Adarabioyo in the summer to strengthen their defence, but there is already talk about the former Fulham man potentially leaving the club next month.
It is being reported that Chelsea are open to loaning out Adarabioyo, who has made just three starts in the Premier League this season.
He has found himself behind Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana in the pecking order at Stamford Bridge. Branthwaite could find himself in a similar predicament if he decides to join Chelsea, though Fofana’s injury record suggests there is perhaps an opportunity for someone to come in and nail down the spot next to Colwill.
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