Chelsea should pounce on Arsenal signing to secure loan for Matt Miazga

Arsenal joined the growing list of clubs who have made a signing before Chelsea. Sokratis’ transfer creates a vacancy in Borussia Dortmund’s defence that Chelsea should fill with a Matt Miazga loan.

Arsenal brought the average age of their defensive signings down to 31.5 by buying Sokratis from Borussia Dortmund for £16 million. Sokratis is the youth next to 34-year old Stephan Lichsteiner, who joined the Gunners on a free transfer. As Chelsea have an array of youth, they should send one of them to replace Sokratis at Dortmund for the upcoming season.

Matt Miazga is one season away from fighting for a regular place at Chelsea. After two fruitful seasons at Vitesse, Miazga is ready for and needs a season of “big five” football. The Premier League and the Bundesliga are the best options for him to complete his tactical and physical development. Andreas Christensen demonstrates the value of the Bundesliga for aspiring Blues centre-backs. Michy Batshuayi showed both the clubs the value of a loan at Borussia Dortmund. A loan to Dortmund would put Miazga in the perfect position to join Christensen in Chelsea’s defence in 2019/20.

Sokratis’ departure leaves a substantial gap in Dortmund’s defence. The Greek international had more Bundesliga minutes than any other outfield player. While he did not lead the team in any defensive measure, he was a dependable, traditional right-footed centre-back.

Miazga would offer new dimensions beyond what Sokratis brought. Sokratis had 12 goals and five assists in all competitions going back to 2005. Miazga had four goals for Vitesse last season. In keeping with the demands of both Vitesse and Chelsea, Miazga is much more technically adept on the ball, both passing and dribbling. He would slot in smoothly with a team as dynamic as Borussia Dortmund. A season with them would complete his development into an all-around centre-back, one who is as comfortable playing the ball out of the back as he is scoring towering headers off of corner kicks.

Chelsea already should have had Dortmund on the short-list of loan destinations for Miazga. Sokratis’ departure simply creates the opening and the incentive. If the Blues can follow up on Michy Batshuayi’s second half success with a strong full-season Miazga loan, they will have a valuable loan partner in Germany.

A side benefit of a Miazga loan to Borussia Dortmund is what he can whisper to Christian Pulisic about the wonders of life and football in west London. Miazga and Pulisic will spend time together this summer with the US Men’s National Team. Anything Miazga could do to entice Pulisic to Chelsea would enshrine him in Stamford Bridge lore (think of Joe Cole and Eden Hazard).

Next: Kurt Zouma at risk of being the perpetual odd-man-out at Chelsea

And, if nothing else, we know Matt Miaga looks good in yellow and black. But only temporarily, until he dons Blue for the long haul.