Chelsea want to land £75m “monster” who is far better signing than Mainoo

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Chelsea’s Transfer Plans Take a Shift Amid Injury Woes

Initially, most people expected Chelsea to stay relatively quiet during the January transfer window, especially with the team flourishing under Enzo Maresca and players showcasing improved form. However, injury concerns have seemingly reshaped the club’s plans. Key players like Wesley Fofana, Roméo Lavia, Benoit Badiashile, and Reece James have faced fresh or recurring injuries, limiting Maresca’s tactical flexibility in recent games.

Adding to the challenges, some players, including Cesare Casadei, Carney Chukwuemeka, Christopher Nkunku, and Axel Disasi, are reportedly dissatisfied with their limited game time and may seek exits. These factors combined might push Chelsea into an active transfer window, involving both departures and new signings, to maintain squad depth for the remainder of the season.

Chelsea’s Pursuit of Kobbie Mainoo

One name surprisingly linked with a move to Stamford Bridge is Manchester United’s promising talent Kobbie Mainoo. Reports suggest the 19-year-old midfielder might leave Old Trafford due to stalled contract talks.

Mainoo’s stats speak volumes for his potential: 52 first-team appearances, five goals, one assist, and 3,708 minutes of playtime. His ability to operate in tight spaces, retain possession under pressure, and exploit gaps in opposing midfields makes him an attractive prospect. He’s also skilled at carrying the ball forward and creating passing opportunities through clever movement.

Given Chelsea’s strategy of signing world-class young talents, their interest in Mainoo makes sense. However, with Andrey Santos and Lesley Ugochukwu out on loan and Roméo Lavia nearing a return, the priority for Mainoo’s signing raises some questions.

Defensive Gaps Demand Attention

Chelsea’s defensive injuries, particularly to Badiashile and Fofana, coupled with underwhelming performances from Axel Disasi and Tosin Adarabioyo, highlight the urgent need for defensive reinforcements. Maresca may lean toward signing a center-back rather than adding another midfielder like Mainoo.

Chelsea’s Defensive Dynamics

At the start of the Premier League season, Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana were Maresca’s preferred center-back duo. Fofana, before his injury, played 12 league matches, contributing to three clean sheets. Disasi has since stepped into various roles but hasn’t cemented his place, while Adarabioyo has shown competence as a right center-back but lacks consistency.

Interestingly, Badiashile was Maresca’s next choice to pair with Colwill, even though both are left-footed. The metrics support this decision—Badiashile excels in ball progression, defensive positioning, and interceptions when engaging midfield threats. Losing both Badiashile and Fofana has left a significant void in Chelsea’s backline, emphasizing the need for a solid defensive signing.

Why Marc Guehi is a Better Option

Chelsea are reportedly eyeing Marc Guehi, a former academy graduate now thriving at Crystal Palace. The 24-year-old has played 134 games for the Eagles, scoring seven goals, delivering three assists, and logging 11,687 minutes on the pitch.

Guehi’s performances at EURO 2024 earned praise, with pundits like Micah Richards lauding his composure and others labeling him a defensive “monster.” His ability to play across multiple defensive positions—including right-back, left center-back, and central roles in a back three—makes him a versatile option for Chelsea.

What Guehi Brings to the Table

Guehi excels in ball control, often using both feet to deliver precise passes through tight spaces. While not as physically dominant as Fofana, his intelligence allows him to read the game effectively, anticipate threats, and time his challenges perfectly.

However, Guehi’s physical limitations mean Chelsea would need to adjust in other areas, such as introducing Josh Acheampong at right-back or signing a defender with more pace and strength to complement Guehi’s style.

The Verdict: Guehi Over Mainoo

With Chelsea’s pressing need for defensive reinforcements, Marc Guehi seems a far more practical signing than Kobbie Mainoo. His Premier League experience, positional versatility, and calm presence on the ball make him an ideal addition to bolster the Blues’ backline.

In summary, while Mainoo is undoubtedly talented, Chelsea’s current priorities lie in shoring up their defense for a stronger second half of the season. Signing Guehi would address these needs and provide the team with the stability it desperately requires.