Chelsea
As per latest transfer news, Chelsea have made 18 year old Benfica right back Daniel Banjaqui a transfer target for the January transfer window. They plan to act in the January window, although they face competition form several clubs for the talented youngster.
REECE JAMES BLOW FORCES CHELSEA INTO JANUARY TRANSFER MARKET
As reported by TEAMtalk, Chelsea are ready to spend big in the transfer window following the injury to captain Reece James. Chelsea have plenty of money to spend and several targets left over from the summer. The Blues are pushing for Benfica star Daniel Banjaqui as they face competition from several European clubs for his signature.
Chelsea are targeting the youngster despite having right back options. James remains the clubs’ starter but a minor knee surgery will rule him out for three months. His injury record is worrying as he’s missed around 834 days of senior football since making his senior debut for Chelsea.
Banjaqui’s arrival could add competition to a position Chelsea need. Bringing him adds much needed competition during James’s absence while beating rivals to a top European prospect.
PALESTRA GAINS GROUND AS COVER AS ALONSO RESHUFFLES HIS RIGHT BACK OPTIONS
Chelsea could sell Gusto after falling down Alonso’s squad, with Liverpool already showing interest in him over the summer window. Summer signing Palestra is stepping in to provide cover as right back after his debut on Saturday’s 5-1 win against Bournemouth.
Palestra’s arrival becomes crucial as James and Gusto have been used in the midfield areas to cover the midfield issues. Palestra’s return allows Chelsea to shift Gusto or change tactical setups against teams when needed, allowing Chelsea to listen to offers for Gusto if they manage to secure the youngster.
Getting Daniel Banjaqui to this team allows them to secure a younger more solid defender for many years to come. Signing the player also helps protect James while he recovers, helping the club plan the future of their defence.
Getting Banjaqui gives the team a young solid defender for many years. Signing him also protects during his injury, letting the club for the future will full confidence in their long term defensive depth.
Chelsea
CHELSEA PREPARE JANUARY MOVE FOR DANIEL BANJAQUI
Chelsea are looking at options to trigger Banjaqui’s release clause ahead of the transfer window. The Blues view the 18-year-old as an important addition to protect their defence while James continues to recover from his injury.
Though Chelsea remain interested in the player and are thinking of putting a bid, Benfica remain hesitant to sell the player mid season, rivals Liverpool and Arsenal are also keeping close tabs on the teenager.
At 18 he fits Chelsea’s transfer strategy of buying top young prospects, Getting his signature now would solve an urgent need and protect the team from future injury problems by adding much needed depth to their squad.
Author’s Opinion
This situation perfectly shows Chelsea’s issue to build a proper balanced squad around an injury prone player. Triggering Daniel Banjaqui’s clause solves a crisis but it also shows the recruitment issues by the club. Marco Palestra’s addition helps to solve the ongoing issues at the club.