Transfer News: Chelsea ‘favourites’ to sign French defender after full-back injury crisis

Transfer News: Chelsea leading the charge to sign Everton full-back Lucas Digne after Ben Chilwell and Reece James injury

According to GiveMeSport (h/t Mirror), Chelsea are ‘favourites’ to sign full-back Lucas Digne from Everton as Thomas Tuchel plans life without Ben Chilwell for the rest of the season. 

Lucas Digne has developed himself into a top performer over the years. The 28-year-old made the switch from Barcelona in 2018 and became a vital member of the Everton squad. The French star enjoyed a sensational start to the season. He even captained the team a few times this campaign but a recent fallout with Toffees manager Rafa Benitez has put question marks over his future at the Merseyside club.

It is believed that Everton have already signed a replacement for Digne in the form of Vitaliy Mykoleno. Therefore, it is highly likely that the French star would seek the exit door in the ongoing transfer window. 

Chelsea have been linked with Digne but there has been stiff competition from Newcastle United and Paris Saint-Germain for the 28-year-old defender. But it is believed that the Blues are currently frontrunners to secure the signature in the coming days. 

Digne to Chelsea?

Chelsea are in a worrisome situation after Chilwell has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after an injury last year. On the other hand, Reece James suffered a Hamstring issue during the match against Brighton last week and has been sidelined for around 2 months.

Thomas Tuchel is currently pushed to utilise Marcos Alonso and César Azpilicueta in full-back positions. Both players have arguably crossed the peak years of their careers and aren’t getting any younger. In such a case, the hectic schedule can take a toll on their fitness which would naturally worry anyone associated with Chelsea- be it the manager or the fans.

Lucas Digne has years of top-flight experience and could immediately impact Thomas Tuchel’s side. Even after the return of Ben Chilwell, the French star could give stiff competition for the starting position, which would only benefit the team’s performance. 

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Moreover, Digne would personally have a big stage to impress Tuchel and prove that he is worthy enough to replace Chilwell even when the former regains match fitness. Such competition can only be healthy when it comes to building a strong team.

Alonso looks like he is on the wane and Digne, along with Chilwell, could man the left flank for years to come. But for that, we would have to be quick and decisive with our interest. It is best if we can seal a transfer before deadline day to make sure Digne has ample time to adjust to our system.