Chelsea could launch a move for 28-year-old Merseyside full-back in January

Transfer News: Chelsea could approach Everton star Lucas Digne in January

According to transfer news on Fichajes (h/t football.london), Chelsea could approach Lucas Digne if Everton decides to part ways with him in the January transfer window.

The 28-year-old was a regular for the Toffees under Carlo Ancelotti last season. He played a crucial role in helping them secure a top-half finish by providing seven assists in 30 appearances. However, things have not been the same under the new manager, Rafa Benitez.

Although he has made 13 appearances, Digne has been left out of the matchday squad in the last two games. The Spanish boss is not on good terms with the defender, according to The Athletic. Thus, if they do plan on offloading him, the former Barcelona ace does have suitors.

Chelsea are keen on landing the left-back following the injury to Ben Chilwell. However, the Blues are not the only contenders in the race, with Atletico Madrid and AS Roma also eager to secure Digne’s services.

Goodbye Marcos Alonso?

If the West London club do sign the 28-year-old, they could part ways with Marcos Alonso. The Spaniard has been deputising for Chilwell in his absence but has far from impressed, let alone prove to be a worthy alternative. 

Although he could co-exist with Digne and Chilwell, the soon to be 31-year-old might have to cope with a place on the bench and sometimes out of the squad altogether. His attacking output remains a threat, but the French international also possesses those abilities.

But the Everton ace is also defensively disciplined, a quality one would not normally associate with Alonso. The Blues have found success on the pitch this season due to their fluid full-backs and their ability to run back and forth constantly. Reece James has been a stellar example of that.

More Chelsea News

• Thomas Tuchel reveals what Chelsea need to overcome to compete with Man City and Liverpool
• Thomas Tuchel: Chelsea duo N’Golo Kante and Trevoh Chalobah in contention to face Everton
• Transfer News: Barcelona eyeing a shock move for Chelsea starlet Ian Maatsen

Chilwell has started some light jogging sessions recently but even the earliest return might not be until next month. But if he does need surgery, it might complicate matters further. Thus, signing Digne looks like the smart option. But it remains to be seen whether the Toffees actually part ways with the full-back halfway through the campaign.