Chelsea have plenty of French centre-backs in their ranks. Unfortunately, none of them have been able to establish themselves in the team. Wesley Fofana has put in some solid performances lately but his injury history means that one can never really rely on him over the course of a complete season.
On the other hand, Benoit Badiashile was brilliant against Liverpool but then picked up an injury in the same game. Overall, his injury record has been pretty terrible as well over his time at Chelsea.
And then there is Axel Disasi. To be fair to him, he has been consistently fit. But he does not seem to be in Enzo Maresca's plans and is expected to leave in the near future.
Interestingly, it looks like the Blues are interested in signing another French centre-back. As reported by CaughtOffside, clubs across England are lining up to sign Castello Lukeba. Chelsea are currently leading the winter race for the RB Leipzig defender.
Chelsea favourites to sign French international centre-back
There was a lot of talk surrounding Lukeba a year or so back, although he ended up staying at RB Leipzig back then. Now, it looks like he is once again on the radar of Europe's top teams. It is not just Chelsea who want him. Liverpool, Manchester United, and Newcastle United are keeping a close eye as well.
Lukeba is quietly having an excellent season. In his last 10 Bundesliga appearances, RB Leipzig have conceded just four times and never more than once per game, keeping six clean sheets. That is an excellent record, no matter which way you look at it.
He is also a full French international. And at 22 years of age, you would expect him to get better with time. Of course, there are some worrying signs as well. He is in the 21st percentile when it comes to aerials won. One has to wonder how that would fit in the physicality of the Premier League.