Chelsea eye summer move for 21-year-old USMNT defensive ace

Transfer News: Chelsea eye Barcelona right-back Sergino Dest

According to the Athletic, Chelsea could look at signing Barcelona right-back Sergino Dest in exchange for Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso, two players the Catalan club are interested in signing.

Sergino Dest joined Barcelona from Ajax Amsterdam in 2020 and has the reputation of being one of the best young fullbacks in the world. Whilst he has often shown flashes of the potential he possesses at Barcelona, there have been mixed responses to his performances at the Nou Camp.

The young American defender has struggled with injuries at different points this campaign, not allowing him to get a consistent run in the team. The 21-year-old has made 31 appearances for the Spanish giants this season providing three assists across all competitions.

A swap deal could be on the cards for both Barcelona and Chelsea with the Spanish club keen on securing two of Chelsea’s defensive aces and the Blues looking to procure the American as a replacement player.

Versatility?

Dest is extremely versatile and can play in a plethora of positions. This could be one of the main reasons why Chelsea are targeting him. Just 21, he has time on his side to develop into a world-class full-back.

Originally a right-back, Dest is perfectly capable of playing on the left as is a regular left-back for the USMNT. The American can also do a job as a winger and play on either wing and being extremely attacking in nature, he tends to do a good job there too.

Although Reece James is the incumbent right-back for the Blues and Ben Chilwell is likely to be the first choice left-back next season, signing Dest means the Blues will have cover for two positions in one player. Such luxury was exactly what Thomas Tuchel was missing out on this season.

If there is one thing that will worry the Blues, it is the American’s less than favourable injury record with the 21-year-old picking up many injuries during his time at Barcelona. The US international is also not the finished product and has chinks in his armour, especially defensively.

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It remains to be seen if the two clubs manage to reach an agreement for a swap deal but if such an arrangement indeed happens, it feels like we will be getting the better deal.