'Been told': Journalist names two centre-backs he's now heard Chelsea would like to sign
Yesterday at 12:15 PM
Chelsea never have a quiet transfer window.
Indeed, under Todd Boehly, Chelsea are always one of the most active teams in every single transfer window, and this month may be no different.
Chelsea have been linked with a number of potential signings already.
Chelsea are keen on Igor Jesus, while Kobbie Mainoo has also been linked with Chelsea too.
Ian Wright says Chelsea need a new centre-back, and that is something that the Blues are looking into.
Marc Guehi has been linked to Chelsea, and he's not the London club's only defensive target.
Indeed, according to Matt Law, speaking on the London is Blue Podcast, Chelsea have their eyes on two centre-back options, although they're not sure they're viable signings this month.
Chelsea like Ilya Zabarnyi and Ronald Araujo
According to Law, Chelsea are fans of both Ilya Zabarnyi and Ronald Araujo.
However, unfortunately, Chelsea don't see either deal being done this month, but there is a list of players they want to go for.
"Look, I’ll tell you that my contacts, I’ve thrown names such as Zabarnyi at Bournemouth at them. I've been told Chelsea like him, but don’t see a deal being done for him this month.
"The Barcelona defender, is it Araujo? I’ve thrown him at someone and been told, yeah, we’ve looked at him, but don’t see us doing that one this month.
"So I don’t have the names exactly on the list, but there seems to be a list."
Zabarnyi compared to Ronald Araujo
Zabarnyi and Araujo are two very talented defenders, and it's very difficult to state which of these two players Chelsea should go for.
On one hand, Araujo has more top-level experience having played for Barcelona, he's a proven winner at the highest level while Zabarnyi has only won trophies back in Ukraine.
On the other hand, Zabarnyi is the younger option, he has more international experience, he's proven at Premier League level, and he's been playing to a high level this season.
Araujo has missed pretty much all of this campaign with injury.
| Ilya Zabarnyi | Ronald Araujo | |
| Appearances this season | 20 | 1 |
| International caps | 45 | 20 |
| Champions League appearances | 12 | 17 |
| Trophies won | 3 | 3 |
| Premier League appearances | 62 | 0 |
| Age | 22 | 25 |
If Araujo can return to his former level, he would be a great signing for Chelsea, but, as Chelsea know all too well, signing an injury-prone defender is a risk, just look at Wesley Fofana as an example.
Tottenham have also been linked with Zabarnyi, while Arsenal have been linked with Araujo, so regardless of Chelsea's interest and intent, both players may end up making moves this month.
