29-year-old French right-back on Chelsea’s radar

Transfer News: Chelsea keeping tabs on RC Lens star Jonathan Clauss

According to French outlet Telefoot (via GetFootballNewsFrance) (h/t Football.London), RC Lens right-back Jonathan Clauss is seen as a potential replacement for Chelsea star Cesar Azpilicueta if he were to leave.

The French defender joined Lens from Bielefeld in 2020 and has since then gone on to establish himself as one of the best right-backs in Ligue 1. He has performed exceedingly well even this season producing quality numbers in the French top flight.

The 29-year-old defender has played 40 times this season for Lens scoring five goals and providing 11 assists across all competitions. Such numbers have not gone unnoticed with many clubs around Europe interested in the high flying French defender.

Chelsea are in a bit of a pickle with club captain Cesar Azpilicueta considering leaving the club and they are apparently looking to replace him with Clauss. The 29-year-old will have big boots to fill should he eventually move to Stamford Bridge.

A late bloomer?

At 29, Clauss is no new kid on the block and is somewhat of a late bloomer. He comes in with a wealth of experience which will hold him in good stead. Edouard Mendy too thrived late in his career and there is no reason why lightning cannot strike twice.

Clauss was rewarded for his continuous performances throughout this season with two caps for the French national team and he looks to be rewarded with the first big move of his career with a transfer to Stamford Bridge on the horizon.

Azpilicueta started out as a full-back before being converted into a makeshift central defender if needed. A player like the Spaniard is anyways very difficult to replace considering the versatility he brings to the squad.

Clauss has had a good season in Ligue 1 but things could be very different in the Premier League and there is no assurance that the 29-year-old will be able to produce similar numbers in the English top flight. Regardless, it is a gamble that the Blues could take.

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Jonathan Clauss seems like an out-field choice. Chelsea will probably consider the option only if Azpilicueta leaves and it remains to be seen if they take the chance.