Chelsea’s once-comfortable position in the Premier League has quickly turned precarious, with the Blues slipping from a strong second or third place to nervously clinging to fourth.
After a late-December dip in form, manager Enzo Maresca is under scrutiny as questions arise about his ability to navigate this challenging period. This marks his first major test at the club, and while his earlier progress had been smooth, January’s transfer window could prove pivotal in shaping the rest of Chelsea’s season.
Although Chelsea are not expected to make significant moves in the transfer market, several squad issues demand attention. The recent struggles provide a compelling reason to consider reinforcements, especially in areas where the team has shown vulnerability. For Maresca, the decisions made this month could define his tenure and the team’s fortunes.
The Illia Zabarnyi Dilemma
Chelsea have reportedly set their sights on Bournemouth’s standout center-back Illia Zabarnyi. The 22-year-old Ukrainian defender has garnered widespread interest following a string of impressive performances under Andoni Iraola.
However, Bournemouth are reportedly unwilling to entertain offers from Chelsea or Tottenham for the rising star. Zabarnyi’s development, alongside that of teammates like Milos Kerkez, has made him a hot commodity in the transfer market.
Potential Departures and Replacements
Chelsea’s defensive struggles have been exacerbated by injuries to Wesley Fofana and the use of Levi Colwill out of position. Axel Disasi, while available, has not proven reliable, with criticism focusing on his lack of pace, inability to defend wide spaces, and minimal contributions in possession. If Disasi is offloaded, former Chelsea player Fikayo Tomori could be an option. The AC Milan defender has reportedly been offered to Chelsea, although Juventus currently lead the race for his signature, with Spurs also expressing interest.
While Tomori’s return would make for a compelling narrative, it raises questions about the cost and necessity of such a move. Chelsea already have a versatile option in Trevoh Chalobah, who could fill a similar role without requiring a hefty transfer fee. Tomori offers better aerial ability and speed, but whether these attributes justify his price tag is debatable.
Young talent Josh Acheampong also emerges as a potential in-house solution, offering a no-cost alternative should Chelsea decide to shuffle their defensive lineup. Any significant defensive signing, including Zabarnyi, seems more likely in the summer, as mid-season transfers for key players often come at a premium.
The Midfield Conundrum
Reports suggest Chelsea are ready to table a £50 million bid for AC Milan’s Youssouf Fofana. The 25-year-old midfielder has impressed despite Milan’s struggles, which have left them vulnerable to offers for their top players.
Fofana’s defensive prowess and versatility in midfield make him an ideal candidate to bolster Chelsea’s squad, especially with Romeo Lavia battling injuries and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall failing to meet expectations. Milan, currently eighth in Serie A, may also be open to selling midfielder Tijani Reijnders as they look to reshape their squad.
The Bigger Picture
Chelsea’s immediate challenge lies in addressing their defensive frailties while finding solutions to midfield inconsistencies. Whether it’s securing a marquee signing or promoting internal talent, the club must act decisively to maintain their Champions League ambitions.
Maresca’s ability to steer the team through this turbulent period will ultimately determine whether Chelsea can solidify their place among the league’s elite or face an uphill battle for success this season.
