Chelsea double money to bid for “monster” defender who could be better than Calafiori
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Chelsea’s Busy Transfer Window and Potential Defensive Reinforcements
Transfer Activity Heats Up
With the knockout stages of EURO 2024 in full swing, transfer news is ramping up, and Chelsea is set for a hectic few weeks as they prepare for their pre-season tour. Following the departure of Thiago Silva, Chelsea is actively seeking defensive reinforcements for the 2024/25 Premier League season, with Bologna’s Riccardo Calafiori emerging as a key target.
Interest in Calafiori and Alternatives
Chelsea and Arsenal are both eyeing the Italian defender, and if either team misses out, several other names are being considered for defensive reinforcements.
Chelsea’s Pursuit of Ronald Araujo
Reports from Spain suggest Chelsea has made an attempt to sign Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo, with Bayern Munich and Manchester United also interested. However, Araujo’s transfer fee could be similar to those paid for Enzo Fernández and Moises Caicedo, exceeding the £100 million mark. Currently focused on his international duties with Uruguay in the Copa America, Araujo prefers to take things “day by day.”
Araujo vs. Calafiori: A Comparison
Araujo made 37 appearances for Barcelona last season, scoring one goal, providing two assists, and contributing to 11 clean sheets, helping the team finish second in La Liga. Meanwhile, Calafiori shone for Italy at Euro 2024 and made 33 appearances for Bologna, scoring two goals, providing five assists, and contributing to 16 clean sheets, leading Bologna to a fifth-place finish in Serie A and securing Champions League football for the first time since 1964.
Playing Styles and Strengths
Both players bring unique strengths to their teams. Araujo, standing at 6 foot 2, is a physically dominant defender, while Calafiori, though slightly smaller, is aggressive and versatile on the ball. Calafiori’s offensive contributions are noteworthy for a center-back, averaging 3.68 progressive passes, 1.07 progressive carries, and 1.76 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes, ranking in the top 3% for European center-backs. Araujo, despite primarily playing as a natural center-back, averages 4.34 progressive passes, but slightly fewer progressive carries (0.88) and shot-creating actions (1.08) per 90 minutes.
Defensive Metrics and Team Dynamics
Analyzing their defensive metrics reveals their different approaches. Araujo, playing for a Barcelona side that averages 64.7% possession, excels in clearances and aerial duels. Calafiori, in a Bologna team with 58.2% possession, averages more tackles, interceptions, and blocks but engages in more duels, leading to a higher challenges lost metric (0.38 per 90) compared to Araujo’s 0.2 per 90, which ranks in the top 6% for center-backs.
Suitability for the Premier League
While both players have their strengths, Araujo’s “monster” profile, as described by analyst Raj Chohan, could make him an ideal fit for the Premier League, potentially becoming one of the league’s top defenders. His physicality and defensive prowess would provide Chelsea with a robust presence at the back, complementing their style of play.
