It is very clear that Chelsea are looking to sign a centre-back right now. They should have done that in the summer itself when Enzo Maresca had openly called for one. But the club chose to overlook the manager's requests, and unsurprisingly, the defence has been their weakest department since the start of the campaign.
At least it is a positive that the club are willing to accept and rectify their mistake. More often than not, it feels like they are not.
Another positive is the fact that they are not overlooking the talent that is already present at the club. An extension has been handed to one of Cobham's most talented defenders amid the Blues' search for a centre-back.
As reported by Chelsea's official website, Olutayo Subuloye has signed a new contract with the Blues, keeping him at the club until at least 2030. He had signed his first professional contract in 2024.
Suboloye has been captaining Chelsea's U18s side. He has also represented England at U18 level, making one appearance for the Three Lions so far.
Chelsea announce they've agreed deal with English centre-back
The timing of the extension is certainly interesting. It is a sign that Chelsea are showing their long-term backing of the young defender, even though they are ready to add another centre-back to their ranks this winter.
Since Liam Rosenior's arrival as manager, we have also seen added gametime for Josh Acheampong. He is one of the few to have started both games for the Blues under the Englishman. That is something fans had been calling out for for months, and one of the errors Maresca made during his time at Chelsea.
Coming back to Subuloye, it does not feel like he is someone ready to break into the first-team picture anytime soon. He does have potential though and could do with a loan spell away soon in order to learn the ropes at the senior level.