chelseaMid-quarter audit reveals outlook for years to come, Enzo Marescatactics that brought the club back into contention for the title Champions League After two seasons, football is outside the qualifying round.

Maresca’s coaching courage has come under pressure in recent weeks. Italian comments Managing the Stamford Bridge side during the winter transfer window was a “disaster” as rumors swirled about in and out activity, which had a troubling impact on many players.

There’s no doubt Chelsea’s form has taken a hit of late, failing to win in their last four Premier League games, but the Blues will look to restore their top-four spot with a victory over Newcastle United on Monday night. Defeated by Bournemouth.

Maresca hopes his side can regain some defensive resistance, although Chelsea are known to be keen on strengthening the backline this month.

Players such as Marc Guehi Highly Touted But in reality, someone from overseas is probably at the top of BlueCo’s wish list.

Chelsea January transfer news

Chelsea effectively recalled Trevor Chalobah from loan at Crystal Palace last week, effectively ruling out Gueye on a cross-town move to west London this month.

However, Found offside revealed Despite Arsenal and Bayern Munich having a vested interest, Chelsea have kept their options open and are actually the favorite to sign Sporting Lisbon centre-back Ousmane Diomande.

Diomande has an €80m (£67m) release clause in his contract, but Chelsea have paid that much on talented young centre-backs in the past and this player has some real signs of being special.

What Ousmane Diomande will bring to Chelsea

At the age of 21, Diomande achieved great success in Portugal, Received 85 senior appearances Playing for Sporting Lisbon, especially winning the 2023/24 league title.

The Ivory Coast international has completed an incredible 94% of his passes in Portugal’s top flight this season, winning 72% of aerial duels and averaging 4.9 recoveries per game. According to Sofascorewhich showcases his athleticism on top of a strong skill set.

According to FBrefDiomande ranks in the top 1% of the Portuguese league this season in pass success rate, top 4% in pass attempts, and top 13% in aerial battle win rate. It perfectly reflects the integration of skills and physical fitness, which will serve him well in Atletico Madrid. The foundation for success in Resca’s system.

Considering that Diomande is still only 21 but has already established himself as one of the most technically sound defenders in Europe, it’s clear that Chelsea should do everything they can to stop the likes of Arsenal from snapping up him.

As mentioned before, Chelsea are set to step up in the transfer market this year and it’s not just limited to one area, with recent reports also suggesting Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacio It’s on the Blues’ shopping list.

David Ornstein of The Athletic It was even confirmed that inquiries had been made to ascertain whether the Red Devils would be tempted to cash in, but if there is one area to prioritize, acquiring a talent like Diomande is far more important than any mercurial player like Garnacho winger.

Firstly, Wesley Fofana will be out until later in the 2024/25 season and is starting to see fans’ confidence in him staying fit fade.

Another problem is that Chelsea’s top lane is too bloated, and Garnacho performs best on the left. Considering the likes of Pedro Neto, Jadon Sancho and Mihailo Mudric are already vying for starting spots at Chelsea, this feels like a pointless acquisition, especially since the Blues Offered at £80 million If they want to sign the up-and-coming Argentinian.

Shift focus

Big-money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is your home for transfer news and opinion on Football FanCast.

Praising his “incredibly complete” profile for such a young defender Talent Scout Jacek KuligDiomande could become one of the best players in Europe. Chelsea need to make sure this happens at Stamford Bridge.

Ganaccio is also an exciting talent capable of doing amazing things, but is he really what the Maresca project needs right now, especially after the questions that have been raised As far as his temperament is concerned?

There’s a very talented player there who has suffered a bit in the tough conditions at Old Trafford, but Eight goals and five assists In all the games this season, everything he has done is enough to prove that he has a bright future.

Garnacho’s former Manchester United team-mate Fred even said “He’s definitely going to be one of the best players in the world” in the past.

However, if Chelsea are going to invest heavily in an up-and-comer, they need to make the right decision. If it comes down to picking a perfect target, Diomande is the choice.

Relevant

Chelsea inquiring about signing Maresca’s own star Kovarac Helia

Chelsea have shown interest in the youngster from Borussia Dortmund.