Chelsea are looking to strengthen their squad in the January transfer window reopens and could bring in a new defender this time.
The Blues did some smart deals last time the transfer window
was open. Thomas Tuchel’s side secured the signature of their long-term target
Romelu Lukaku and was also able to bring in Atletico Madrid Spanish midfielder
Saul Niguez on loan.
As Chelsea did not do so many deals
last summer window, they could be doing so this winter window as Tuchel and his
backroom staff would be looking to have a strong squad to help them compete in
the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League, which they are sure they
would qualify for.
Many might be arguing why The Blues would be looking to add
some fresh faces as the Stamford Bridge side have started the new season
brilliantly and sit at the top of the Premier League table after 11 games.
Also, they are second in their UEFA Champions league group, 3 points behind
group toppers Juventus who have 12 points from possible 12.
However, Thomas Tuchel knows the importance of having a good
squad and one with good depth and so is already making plans for the future as
he looks to strengthen the squad.
Some reports emerging from Turkey is that Chelsea are
looking to sign €20million rated defensive ace Attila Szalai and could
make an offer to bring him to England once the January transfer window reopens.
Not many would know Attila Szalai, but
the 23-year-old star has the potential to be a big defender who plays for a big
club. Szalai joined Fenerbahce earlier this year in the January transfer window
from Cyprian club Apollon Limassol and has been a constant presence for the
Turkish side.
As a matter of fact, the Hungarian international has made
about 40 appearances for Fenerbahce till this day and have scored three goals
in the process.
The 23-year-old has been likened to current Liverpool Dutch
defender, Virgil Van Dijk, such is the talent he possess. Dubbed the Hungarian
van Dijk, the tall centre-back operates like the former Southampton man and is
rarely caught out of position like him.
Champions League winners Chelsea are said to be in the
market for a new centre-half amid the uncertainty surrounding the future of
their German defender Antonio Rudiger.
The 28-year-old centre-back is now into the final year of
his contract and is yet to show any sign that he wants to commit to fresh terms
at the club. In January, he would be free to negotiate and sign a pre-contract
agreement with any club of his choice.
Like Rudiger, Andreas Christensen’s contract also expires at
the end of the season, while the likes of Thiago Silva and Cesar Azpilicueta no
longer possess the strength they had few years ago. Thus, it is important that
Tuchel is working on rectifying this issue.
Szalai Attributes.
Attila Szalai would certainly fit into Thomas Tuchel’s team.
The young promising defender is tall, strong and powerful and is good at
winning aerial duels. Furthermore, the Hungarian is also a smart reader of the
game who has a habit of making vital interceptions and tackles.
Aside his ability to win aerial duels with ease and shield
the goal post, Szalai can also initiate attacks and bring the ball out from the
back with a certain level of efficiency.
Despite standing at 6ft 4ins tall, Szalai is not slow. He is
also a strong personality and has good leadership skills.
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