Chelsea are in conversation with the representatives of a defender as midfielder Moises Caicedo offers his opinion on the potential transfer, according to a new report.
Chelsea play Bournemouth after Leeds United blow
Chelsea travel to Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon desperately seeking a response to their shock midweek defeat at Leeds, with Enzo Maresca's title credentials under scrutiny after a damaging loss that left them nine points adrift of Arsenal.
The Blues suffered a humiliating 3-1 loss at Elland Road on Wednesday, falling two goals behind by halftime before Pedro Neto's second-half strike proved insufficient.
Tosin-Chelsea-Leeds-reaction
The defeat represented their second loss to newly-promoted opposition this season, raising fresh doubts about their ability to maintain consistency and challenge Mikel Arteta for the Premier League.
Bournemouth present a challenge despite their own recent struggles.
The Cherries have endured a miserable November without a single victory, collecting just one point from four games while conceding 12 goals.
Tuesday's narrow 1-0 home defeat to Everton extended their winless streak to five matches and marked their first loss at the Vitality Stadium all campaign.
Andoni Iraola's side have plummeted from second to 14th during this barren spell, though they remain only five points behind fourth-placed Chelsea with significant room for optimism.
The hosts have collected 14 of their 19 Premier League points on home soil this season, establishing the Vitality as a fortress until Everton's breakthrough.
Chelsea arrive as clear favourites based on superior stats and historical dominance, having won 15 of 23 meetings between the two clubs.
andoni-iraola-bournemouth
However, the visitors face selection headaches, with Caicedo still serving his suspension after picking up five yellow cards.
The Ecuadorian's absence is a significant blow given his pivotal role protecting the defence, and Caicedo's presence was sorely missed against Leeds.
fabrizio-romano-nicolas-jackson-chelsea-premier-league Related
Fabrizio Romano says 24-year-old has now played his last game for Chelsea
He doesn't have a future in west London.
Chelsea boast the division's best away attacking record with 15 goals in seven games, averaging over two goals per match. Yet, their vulnerability without Caicedo was exposed ruthlessly by Leeds, with the midfield lacking its usual protection.
While the £150,000-per-week star continues to sit out, he's at least making himself useful in other ways.
Chelsea hold talks with Joel Ordonez as Moises Caicedo offers opinion
That is according to TEAMtalk and journalist Graeme Bailey, who report on Chelsea's serious interest in Club Brugge defender Joel Ordonez.
joel-ordonez-aston-villa
Chelsea have renewed contact with Ordonez's representatives in recent weeks as they intensify their pursuit of the 21-year-old, with Caicedo also offering behind-the-scenes 'thoughts' about his former Independiente del Valle teammate.
The west Londoners are said to have tracked him since before his 2023 move to Belgium, maintaining long-standing interest in the player.
Caicedo and Ordonez developed their friendship during their time together at Independiente's famed South American academy, and have remained close through international duty.
The Chelsea midfielder now appears to be playing agent, giving his verdict on Ordonez to the club's hierarchy.
Caicedo-Chelsea-Ecuador
Liverpool represent significant competition for Ordonez's signature, though.
Arne Slot's side have monitored him closely over the past year as they desperately seek solutions to their defensive crisis. The Reds initially prioritised Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, but understand he will not depart Selhurst Park during January, forcing them to explore alternative options.
Crucially, both Club Brugge and Ordonez himself are open to a winter transfer, with England emerging as the most likely destination.
Fresh discussions between the player's camp and Chelsea have taken place recently, building on months of established communication channels, but Man City and Tottenham are also keen.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola during the press conference
City and Spurs have shown admiration for Ordonez, closely assessing him in recent weeks as they evaluate their own defensive requirements.
However, Chelsea and Liverpool currently lead the race after laying more groundwork, and perhaps Caicedo's presence could prove key here in the race for Ordonez's signature.