Transfer News: Chelsea eye Barcelona's Sergino Dest as a replacement for Cesar Azpilicueta. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
According to Sport, via The Chelsea Chronicle (h/t football.london), Chelsea have targeted Barcelona full-back Sergino Dest as their top priority in the January transfer window.
The Blues board are said to have identified the American defender as their ‘number one’ transfer target, and are keen to get him to Stamford Bridge before the transfer window closes in February.
Though Dest was thought was also thought to be on Bayern Munich’s radar, it seems as though Chelsea have been on the offence to sign him, and have enquired with Barcelona about the United States international’s availability.
With Chelsea looking to shore up their defence after losing Reece James to injury and Ben Chilwell out for the rest of the season, Dest has been identified to take their place. However, the full-back could cost the Blues upto €20million, with Barca looking to cash in on potential player sales given their poor financial situation.
The 21-year-old’s versatility has attracted the attention of Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid, but it seems that Chelsea may overtake other clubs with their interest in Dest. Although the USMNT starlet apparently wants to continue at Barcelona, it remains to be seen if he’s tempted by Chelsea’s approach in their quest to win silverware in England and in Europe.
With Reece James still out injured and Cesar Azpilicueta also forced off in the dying minutes of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Tottenham Hotspur, we have been forced into a right-back crisis right now. Callum Hudson-Odio has filled in occasionally in the full-back position of late, but it is quite clear that the Englishman is most effective up front.
With Dest, we have eyed up a talent who has the capability to shine down the wing – he can put in crosses and utilise his pace, while also tracking back in defence and thwarting attacks. The American has been used both as a winger and as a full-back by his coaches in Spain, and has proven himself to be capable of playing in both positions.
Moreover, his potential signing wouldn’t just benefit us in the short term. Even when James and co are back from injury, he can be a competent option down the flanks. If and when one of our full-backs, he can slot is a direct replacement.
Hence, there is a lot of sense behind us trying to complete this deal in January. And it remains to be seen what approach the club takes to prise away the
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