It wasn't pretty, but Chelsea secured their place in the semi-finals of the League Cup by just about getting past Cardiff City on Tuesday night.
Enzo Maresca's side looked miles off the pace for the entirety of the first half, and were it not for an impressive display from Alejandro Garnacho in the second 45, they could well have faced penalties.
There were poor performances across the board for the Blues, but someone who once again stood out for all the wrong reasons was Jamie Gittens.
gittens
The Englishman has not had a great start to life at Chelsea, and if reports are to be believed, could well be in danger of being replaced by one of the club's transfer targets.
Chelsea target Gittens upgrade
Maresca was probably hoping that a start against League One Cardiff would present Gittens with the perfect opportunity to find some form on Tuesday night.
Unfortunately, by the time he was replaced in the 66th minute, the 21-year-old looked lower on confidence than he did at the start.
It's not hard to see why, though, as during his time on the pitch, he failed to take a shot on target, create a big chance or complete a dribble.
Gittens' game v Cardiff
Minutes
Shots on Target
Goals
Assists
Crosses
Accurate Passes
Touches
Lost Possession
Dribbles (Successful)
Ground Duels (Won)
Aeria Duels (Won)
All Stats via Sofascore
So, with performances like that, and those that came before it this season, it's not all that surprising to hear that the Blues are looking for a new winger.
At least that is according to a recent report from Caught Offside, which claims Chelsea are still very interested in Kenan Yıldız.
The report has revealed that, alongside Arsenal, the West Londoners are 'leading the Premier League interest' and are looking to capitalise on the stalling of contract talks between Juventus and the player.
Furthermore, according to the story, the Blues have established contact with the player's camp.
Juventus' Kenan Yildiz celebrates
A price is not mentioned in the reports, but stories from earlier this year suggest that a fee of around £88m might be required to tempt the Old Lady into selling.
It could therefore be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Yıldız's ability and potential, it's one worth fighting for, especially as he'd be a significant upgrade on Gittens.
How Yıldız compares to Gittens
Now, one advantage Yıldız has over Gittens from right out the gate is his positional versatility.
kenan-yildiz-juventus-serie-a
Unlike the Chelsea ace, he can and has played all over the pitch, from both wings to second-striker, attacking midfield and even up top.
However, his primary position is on the left, so his primary competition for game time would be the Englishman.
Although when comparing the two players' output over the last season and a half, it's hard to call it a competition.
For example, in 52 appearances last year, the Turkish wonderkid scored 12 goals and provided nine assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.47 games.
The former Borussia Dortmund star, on the other hand, scored as many goals but provided just five assists in 49 appearances, resulting in an average of a goal involvement every 2.88.
Juventus' Kenan Yildiz reacts
Things have been even more one-sided this season.
In 21 appearances, the Regensburg-born star has provided 12 goal involvements, averaging one every 1.75 games, lending credence to the claim that, in the words of the player himself, he is "considered one of the best talents in Europe."
The West Londoners' 21-year-old winger, on the other hand, has produced just six goal involvements in 20 appearances, which is an average of one every 3.33.
Finally, if the difference in their output doesn't make it clear who the better player is, their underlying numbers will.
Yıldız vs Gittens
Statistics per 90
Non-Penalty Expected G+As
Progressive Passes
Progressive Carries
Shots
Shots on Target
Key Passes
Passes into the Penalty Area
Crosses into the Penalty Area
Goal-Creating Actions
Shot-Creating Actions
All Stats via FBref for the 25/26 League Season
According to FBref, the Juventus gem comes out comfortably ahead in practically every relevant metric, such as non-penalty expected goals plus assists, progressive passes, key passes, shot-creating actions, crosses into the penalty area and more, all per 90.
Ultimately, Gittens could still come good, but if BlueCo do end up signing Yıldız next month, his Chelsea career could be over before it's even really begun.
estevao Related
[Dream for Estevao: Chelsea want to sign "one of the best wing-backs in the PL"](https://www.footballfancast.com/a-dream-for-estevao-chelsea-in-race-to-sign-the-munoz/ "Dream for Estevao: Chelsea want to sign "one of the best wing-backs in the PL"")
The Premier League star would be an incredible signing for Chelsea and would help get even more out of Estevao.