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Despite putting up a fabulous show under the chaperonage of Frank Lampard, Chelsea has exhibited vehement signs of frailty when it comes to their defensive ranks. Their attacking prowess has been top-notch but they have conceded the highest number of goals vis-a-vis the top five of the Premier League.
Given the fire in the attacking echelons, spearheaded by a youth brigade, Lampard will look forward to conquering his defensive demons, taking the help of the imminent winter transfer window. Cesar Azpilicueta and Reece James have shown phenomenal stints when exploiting the opponents on the overlaps. However, they have forgotten their primary duty of defending the flanks and have let slip of several goals from crosses whipped in from the wings.
Lampard’s faith in Christensen hasn’t been paid back in the same manner as the Danish youngster was out of his element in front of a raging Everton, who left Chelsea dazed and confused. These quandaries in the backline have compelled Lampard to reconsider his decisions and to look for a vanguard of the defence in the transfer window. We will look at three possible targets that Chelsea will zero in on January:
#3 Kalidou Koulibaly
Touted as one of the best centre-backs of the current era, Senegalese defender, Kalidou Koulibaly will transcend all other targets in the visions of Frank Lampard.
Known for his towering presence, and his sinewy stature, Koulibaly sweeps through the defence, rallying it from the deep to avert any slip-ups.
Currently plying his trade for Napoli, he has several big clubs targeting him. It will not be an easy swoop for Chelsea as reports state that Manchester United is ready to shell out a fortune to rope in this Senagalese sensation. However, with the current lot of United defenders finding their footing under the leadership of Harry Maguire, United may contemplate bolstering their midfield. Chelsea will have another less competitor to worry about.
The worrying saga of a chase for this centre-back doesn’t end here for The Blues, as even Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City have their eyes set on him. With Nicolas Otamendi not doing a great job in the past few days, City has all the resources to rope Koulibaly in.
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#2 Nathan Ake
A very famous English maxim cites that patience is the key to success. However, in the cut and run world of Premier League football, patience is the only thing which cannot be afforded by the clubs. A story of such brash impatience led to Chelsea loaning Nathan Ake in the first place and then selling him permanently in 2017.
Now, being sold to Bournemouth, Chelsea witnessed a total transformation of the Dutch defender from being on the periphery to a highly-sought-after target in the Premier League market.
Ake has validated his presence in the Bournemouth colours time and time again, thanks to his towering stature at 5ft 11inches and his ability to run tirelessly for ninety minutes.
When Manchester United toured Bournemouth, it was Nathan Ake alone, who put an end to the rasping efforts of Marcus Rashford.
Not only he is a defender cemented to his roots, but he loves to scamper down the attacking third and assist his attacking counterparts in their foray. It is an absolute delight to watch this youngster score goals as well that has brought new life to the otherwise dormant Bournemouth backline.
With Chelsea stuttering in the backline and with major challenges to come, they will definitely not like the déjà vu of being humiliated by City in the last season to sink in again. Bournemouth will ask for a sky-high price and haplessly, Chelsea will have to conform if they are looking forward to plugging in the gaps.
#1 Ben Chilwell
Leicester City has gifted some very talented players to the Premier League. We all know the fabled rise of Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez. However, all eyes now are set on the elite defender, Ben Chilwell.
Being a stellar force in the ranks of the Foxes, Chilwell has riveted media attention for quite some time now. Standing tall at 5ft 10inches, Chilwell is known for his leadership in the Leicester defence.
Arsenal has eyes upon Chilwell too. Touted as one of England’s rising sensation alongside Harry Maguire, Chilwell will make a perfect fit for a depleted Chelsea defence.
Also to keep in mind, Chelsea is coming back from a transfer ban of two windows and Lampard will look forward to making the fullest of the imminent transfer bonanza, with £150 million backing his wishes and desires.
