Maresca could do with some defensive reinforcementsplaceholder image
Maresca could do with some defensive reinforcements | Getty Images
Chelsea are said to be interested in a rising star defender who has already featured regularly in the Champions League.
Chelsea are said to be interested in one of the fastest rising young talent in Europe when it comes to defenders. The Blues have had an mixed season so far, currently in fourth but having struggled for consistency throughout the campaign so far.
Enzo Maresca will be pleased with what he has seen in some ways, still having a very young squad, but there will certainly be areas he wants his men to improve upon. Chelsea strengthened again in the summer, but they were particularly careful on the back of a big UEFA fine and the threat of another.
That is likely to be the same going forward, and Chelsea are likely to stick to their current strategy of signing young players with big potential, although they could certainly do with a finished product or two at this stage, with a sprinkle of experience certainly needed if they want to become a title contender. Then again, if the Blues are playing the long game, these players will only get more experienced with time, so that process could happen naturally.
In the meantime, Chelsea are being linked with a move for a rising star in Atalanta defender Honest Ahanor. The 17-year-old only arrived from Genoa in the summer, but he has already made 13 first team appearances, including four Champions League outings.
Ahanor is already performing well ahead of his age, and as a left-footed centre-back, he will be a prize commodity, with Atalanta in line for a big profit on their investment, which was less than £15million.
According to TEAMtalk, Chelsea are monitoring the youngster ahead of a potential deal, which would likely be a summer deal. Though, the Blues will likely have to pay over the odds to land him amid reported interest from elsewhere in Europe.
Chelsea have already agreed to sign Deinner Ordóñez from Independiente del Valle when he turns 18 in 2018, and Ahanor would certainly fit their current strategy. The Italian born Nigerian could also make the move instantly, unlike those South American talents, and it seems as though he is already ready to compete on the big stage, albeit he would not necessarily be a Chelsea starter.
The Blues were linked with a move for a centre-back in the summer only to decide not to replace the injured Levi Colwill, but given there may be a need there, it may frustrate fans if they go and get a player who is not a bonified starter at the position at a time when many are desperate to see Chelsea make the step to becoming title candidates.
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