Chelsea have been linked with Barcelona and Uruguay defender Ronald Araujo in past transfer windows.
Last month, it was claimed that Chelsea actually tried to sign Araujo in the summer.
But even with Levi Colwill picking up an ACL injury, the 26-year-old or another centre-back did not appear to be a priority for the Blues.
However, it looks like Chelsea are now convinced that they have to sign a defender of Araujo’s profile in the new year.
Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo on the ball
Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images
Chelsea want a dominant leader like Ronald Araujo
The Club World Cup winners’ interest in Araujo does not appear to have gone away. Journalist Simon Phillips has claimed on Si Phillips Talks Chelsea that Chelsea believe they need a dominant leader in their back four and have identified Araujo as the perfect candidate.
Enzo Maresca will get to see what the Uruguayan can do first-hand when Barcelona travel to Stamford Bridge after the international break.
Hansi Flick’s side take on Chelsea in the Champions League, with their opponents having a very mixed campaign so far.
While the Conference League holders were able to beat Ajax and Benfica, they recently drew with Qarabag and have also lost to Bayern Munich.
Maresca will be hoping that he can unleash Cole Palmer against Araujo and the rest of Barcelona’s defence. It is thought that Palmer is closing in on a return after being sidelined with a groin injury.
Ronald Araujo during Barcelona match
Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images
Ronald Araujo aerially dominant
Chelsea have struggled to deal with set-pieces this season, particularly long throws, so Araujo could be a really good addition to their backline.
As per FBref, the Uruguay international wins 3.73 aerial duels per 90 minutes, putting him in the 97th percentile among centre-halves.
To put that into context, Trevoh Chalobah, who has been Chelsea’s first-choice centre-back, only wins 2.12, which leaves the England star in the 52nd percentile.
If set-pieces continue to be a problem for the Blues, that will give them another reason to make a move for Araujo.