Romano: Chelsea have five transfer options to solve Chilwell problem in January

Fabrizio Romano claims Chelsea are considering 5 transfer options to replace Ben Chilwell following surgery decision

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are considering five transfer options to replace Ben Chilwell after it was confirmed that he shall be undergoing surgery.

The 25-year-old full-back lost his place in the starting line-up to Marcos Alonso at the start of the campaign. However, he came back into the side in October, and the former Leicester City star scored 3 goals and provided 1 assist in 6 Premier League outings. 

Unfortunately, he picked up an injury against Juventus last month, and it was recently confirmed that he will undergo surgery that could see him miss the rest of the season. Thus, Chelsea are set to enter the January transfer market and have 5 potential options for their Chilwell conundrum.

Primarily, the club is eyeing a move for Lucas Digne, with the left-back prepared to leave Everton. Alternatively, the hierarchy also appreciates Barcelona ace Sergino Dest but there is nothing advanced on that front. The option of signing Ajax star Nicolas Taglafico was apparently discussed a few weeks ago. 

If the aforementioned moves fail to work out, there is also a Plan B in motion. This could see the Blues recalling either Ian Maatsen from his loan move at Coventry City or Emerson Palmieri from Olympique Lyonnais.

Need a Chilwell replacement as soon as possible

Chelsea would have had alarm bells ringing when they found out about Chilwell undergoing surgery. The full-back has been integral to our success this season and Marcos Alonso has been off the paces in the Englishman’s absence. Callum Hudson-Odoi, Saul Niguez, and Christian Pulisic have also suffered in that role for one reason or another.

Thus, a replacement is essential. Signing Digne may make the most since he is at his professional peak and has substantial Premier League experience, not to mention his willingness to leave the Merseyside club. Dest and Taglafico are fine options and can also outperform Digne but might take some time to adjust to a new league and a new country.

Alternatively, recalling Emerson or Maatsen could also work out. But it is important to understand that both players have been sent out on loan for a reason. Regardless, the Italian could be the safer bet due to his experience and his exploits with Italy in the latter stages of this summer’s UEFA Euros. But the youthful nature and athleticism of Maatsen cannot be ignored either.

More Chelsea News

• Barcelona contacted Chelsea centre-back duo Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen for a summer transfer
• Transfer News: Lazio shortlist Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi among top targets in January
• Everton to sell Lucas Digne in January transfer window as Chelsea are interested

Nevertheless, each player has their strengths and weaknesses. Thomas Tuchel and Marina Granovskaia shall have to make the final decision and opt for the player that can benefit us in the coming six months since Chilwell is likely to return only next season.

Anyone who has watched us play would know how much we rely on our full-backs when transitioning from defence to attack, and in the final third of the pitch. This is an important part of the Chelsae machine that we will be temporarily replacing, and we must give it due consideration without being panicked into a decision that can harm us in the long run.