Right now, Chelsea and Liverpool are battling each other for a Champions League spot.
Both teams sit on 29 points in the Premier League table, with the former above the latter because of goal difference.
However, Chelsea and Liverpool could also do battle off the pitch as they eye the same central defender.
Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, Tosin Adarabioyo, Josh Acheampong and Levi Colwill are the centre-backs Enzo Maresca has in his squad. Fofana, Badiashile and Colwill have all had injury problems this season, though.
Chelsea need to make room before they can sign another centre-back. Who are you getting rid of?
Levi Colwill is definitely untouchable ❌
Chelsea’s list of first-team centre-backs
Levi Colwill
Wesley Fofana
Trevoh Chalobah
Benoit Badiashile
Tosin Adarabioyo
Josh Acheampong
Trevoh Chalobah of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team's goal with teammate Wesley Fofana
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
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Bologna FC 1909 v FC Internazionale - Supercoppa Italiana Semifinal
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Chelsea and Liverpool both interested in Alessandro Bastoni
According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool are interested in signing Inter Milan star Alessandro Bastoni, viewing him as a potential successor to Virgil van Dijk.
However, the same outlet has claimed that Chelsea also have Bastoni on their radar, so the Blues could end up challenging their Premier League rivals for his signature.
TEAMtalk’s report says that Inter want £66m for Bastoni, a valuation both Chelsea and Liverpool should be able to meet.
Is there a way back for Axel Disasi at Chelsea?
Or do the Blues just need to cut their losses? 👀
Axel Disasi for Chelsea
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This is not the first time that the Club World Cup winners have been linked with the 26-year-old.
In August, it was claimed that Chelsea actually had a bid for Bastoni rejected. If they do eventually get their hands on him, Maresca will be a happy man.
Enzo Maresca and Arne Slot before Chelsea vs Liverpool
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Why Alessandro Bastoni would be a great fit for Enzo Maresca
Bastoni would probably be Maresca’s dream centre-back signing. The Italy international is perfect for the Chelsea manager’s style.
Bastoni is excellent in possession, capable of passing the ball out of defence and bringing it out.
As per FBref, Bastoni completes 5.47 progressive passes, 1.88 progressive carries and 0.36 successful take-ons per 90 minutes. He ranks in the 93rd, 97th and 84th percentiles for those categories.
It is no surprise that Chelsea are looking at Bastoni, but they could have to see off competition from Liverpool if they want his signature next summer. Whoever snaps up Bastoni will be getting an elite ball-playing defender.
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