“Tosin upgrade move” – Chelsea want to sign “one of the best CBs in the world”
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Chelsea’s Legacy of Defensive Prowess
Chelsea has long been recognized as one of the Premier League’s defensive powerhouses. Their defensive record in the 2004/05 season is legendary, as they conceded only 15 goals, setting a Premier League record that still stands. Under José Mourinho, the Blues lifted their first Premier League title that year and defended it successfully the next season, conceding just 22 goals while scoring 72 and finishing with 91 points.
In the last decade, Chelsea’s defense has remained strong, with the club conceding fewer than 40 goals in six of the last ten seasons. However, last season saw the Blues suffer their worst defensive performance in years, conceding 63 goals across 38 Premier League games. This decline has surely caught the attention of Chelsea’s sporting directors, who are likely considering reinforcements at the back, especially with the departure of veteran defenders like Thiago Silva.
Chelsea’s Interest in Ronald Araujo
Recent reports from CaughtOffside suggest that Chelsea is keeping a close eye on Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo. The 25-year-old defender is in the middle of contract negotiations with the Catalan club, but if talks stall, Chelsea could make a move. Manchester United are also rumored to be interested, and with Araujo entering the final year of his deal next summer, a reduced transfer fee could make him an appealing target.
Araujo had an impressive 2023/24 season with Barcelona, making 37 appearances in all competitions, scoring one goal, providing two assists, and helping the team secure 11 clean sheets. His total of 3,024 minutes played demonstrates his durability and importance to the team.
Comparing Araujo to Chelsea’s Current Defenders
Chelsea’s left-sided defender, Levi Colwill, has had a standout start to the season, securing his place in Enzo Maresca’s squad with eight Premier League starts and 720 minutes under his belt. Colwill’s exceptional passing, game-reading, and leadership have solidified his position.
On the right side of defense, Wesley Fofana has been the go-to option so far, starting seven out of eight Premier League matches, with 597 minutes played. His performances have been strong, although he missed one game due to suspension after accumulating five yellow cards.
Tosin Adarabioyo, another right-footed central defender, has played seven matches across all competitions, totaling 443 minutes. However, his error against Liverpool, which almost saw him sent off, raised concerns about his consistency at the highest level.
Would Araujo Be an Upgrade?
Araujo brings a blend of defensive and ball-playing skills that could make him an ideal addition to Chelsea’s backline. His stats from last season reflect his overall strength: 1.32 tackles, 1.15 blocks, and 2.47 aerial duels won per 90 minutes, combined with 4.75 passes into the final third and 4.34 progressive passes per 90. These numbers highlight not only his defensive abilities but also his composure and vision in possession.
While Fofana and Araujo share similar traits in terms of tackling tenacity and recovery speed, Araujo’s extra experience and superior ball-playing ability could offer Chelsea a significant upgrade. Described as “one of the best centre-backs in the world” by Barcelona legend Xavi, Araujo could be a perfect fit for Chelsea’s defense, particularly as a replacement for Tosin, adding both quality and balance to the side.
