Chelsea will be in the market come January to further their bid for silverware and could now be set to land a heavy discount on a target they have identified at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea set for defensive injury boost following Ornstein update
The Blues have been affected by their fair share of injury news lately, and their lack of depth in central defence was highlighted against Liverpool last weekend – a fixture that Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo, Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill missed due to various issues.
Josh Acheampong ended up starting in the pivotal victory over the Reds, though he had to be subbed off himself after picking up a knock during proceedings. David Ornstein doesn't believe his misfortune is as serious as first feared.
Chelsea's Tyrique George celebrates scoring their third goal with Josh Acheampong
Chelsea's Tyrique George celebrates scoring their third goal with Josh Acheampong
He stated via The Athletic's Youtube Channel, also offering an update on Benoit Badiashile:
"From what we’re hearing initially, Badiashile and Acheampong are not severe injuries, and there’s an international break now. There’s another one coming up in November. I don’t know the durations, but I don’t think they’re bad ones. So, that’s a positive for Chelsea fans."
Trevoh Chalobah, returning from suspension, will also be a boost for the Blues, who have an away Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest to contend with before quickfire home fixtures against Ajax and Sunderland.
Signing a defender is a major priority in January for Chelsea, and that has only been heightened by the fact that Colwill has torn his ACL, so there will be no shortage of rumours on that front between now and the window opening for business.
With that in mind, attention will soon turn to potential mid-season solutions, and the Blues may now have identified a centre-back who they feel can make an instant impact at Stamford Bridge, should a deal materialise.
Chelsea could land heavy Castello Lukeba discount
According to CaughtOffside, Chelsea could land a heavy discount in their attempts to sign RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba, who has a release clause of just over £78 million.
Nevertheless, this stipulation is believed to be largely symbolic, and Leipzig are 'ready to accept' a potential bid in and around the £52 million mark.
Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle United and Real Madrid are also keen on the France Under-21 international, who has also registered one assist in seven matches across all competitions this season.
In light of their injury problems and frustration at relying on the likes of Wesley Fofana to be available, a discounted move for Lukeba, who's been called a "very unique" defender, may be a way to solve fitness issues that have plagued Stamford Bridge this term.
Predominantly left-sided, Lukeba has won 26 duels already this term and carried the ball out successfully six times, per Fotmob, illustrating his suitability to Enzo Maresca's high-octane style of play.
Now, it remains to be seen whether Chelsea can push a deal over the line amid serious interest from elsewhere in the French defender.