With Marcos Alonso set to move to the Serie A in January and Emerson expected to play a bit-part role for Chelsea in the second half of the season, here are five left-backs the Blues could sign to help them secure a top four finish;
Alex Sandro
Juventus left-back Alex Sandro has been on Chelsea’s radar for the past few seasons but a move just hasn’t been able to work itself out for one reason or another.
Considering Chelsea’s left-back situation, Frank Lampard could make an attempt to sign the Brazilian in January.
Now 28-years-old and slowly moving out of his prime years, Chelsea might be able to secure his services for a reasonable fee if they make a move for him in January.
Sandro boasts incredible tactical awareness, pace and defensive ability – he’d be an excellent addition to Chelsea’s lineup.
Ben Chillwell
Leicester City’s Ben Chillwell has been widely tipped for a move to Chelsea having made a name for himself as one of the best left-backs in the Premier League this season.
He’s been a mainstay in Leicester’s defence having featured 16 times for the Foxes. His goal and assist contributions have been minimal having scored just one goal and registered three assists in the Premier League this season.
Whilst his goal and assist contributions have been few and far between, he has contributed something much more important to Leicester which has put them on the right track for Champions League qualification – he has contributed defensive stability – something which, Chelsea desperately needs at the moment.
Alex Telles
FC Porto’s Alex Telles has proven to be one of the best left-backs in the Liga Nos over the last few seasons.
He has been linked with a move to some big European clubs over the past few years but none have been able to materialise, however, there’s a solid chance that if Chelsea makes a move for him, they will be able to lure him to Stamford Bridge.
Standing at 5’11 Telles has a great frame which lets him win aerial duels and intimidate his opponents. He’s a great distributor of the ball, from crosses and passess, which would make him a key asset to Chelsea should they make a move for him.
Alejandro Grimaldo
Like Telles, Grimaldo plies his trade in the Liga Nos and has made a name for himself as a technically gifted left-back capable of operating in the left side of the pitch as a defensive-minded player and an attack-minded player because of his impressive skillset.
He’s quite similar to Marcos Alonso in his prime, hence, he might be Chelsea’s most ideal option going into the January transfer window.
Nicolas Tagliafico
Argentine left-back Nicolas Tagliafico put up a world-class showing in Ajax’s Champions League campaign last season.
He was able to balance his defensive duties as well as his offensive contributions as he often ran up the pitch to provide an extra passing option for his teammates and tracked-back to his position to prevent counter attacks.
Tagliafco, 27, remains a mainstay in Ajax’s defence, but Chelsea would do well to consider a move for him as he would be an upgrade on Marcos Alonso and Emerson.
