There are a number of positions where Chelsea need to strengthen if they are to have any hope of competing for the biggest prizes in football. They have been found lacking both going forward and at the back. While the impending return of Liam Delap does provide some hope that things could improve up top, Levi Colwill won't be back anytime soon, leaving a question around the Blues' defence for the foreseeable future.
Enzo Maresca had seemed keen for the club to sign a centre-back in the summer after it became clear that Colwill would be out for potentially the entire season. Chelsea did not add to their ranks at the back. And by now, it is pretty evident that that was a mistake.
Chelsea have been terrible defensively this season. The game against Sunderland was the perfect example of that as they conceded two easily avoidable goals. On the other hand, Arsenal have conceded just three times in nine games and sit atop the Premier League. Defences win championships. That is not just a saying, it is a fact of football.
One can only hope that Chelsea learn their lesson and look to bring in some world-class quality to their central defensive ranks. Fortunately, there is a positive update in that regard.
Chelsea hold talks to sign world-class centre-back
As reported by TBR Football, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City have all held discussions this month about the prospect of Dayot Upamecano. Intermediaries are working hard on behalf of the French international centre-back to gauge his options.
Upamecano's current contract at Bayern Munich runs out at the end of this season. If an agreement on an extension is not found by the new year, he will be eligible to sign a pre-contract.
Upamecano would be looking for a significant salary if he were to leave Bayern Munich. On the other hand, Chelsea have been reluctant to hand out big deals under their new ownership, instead focusing on signing youngsters on longer and more manageable contracts. So, do they have a genuine chance of bringing the Frenchman to Stamford Bridge or is this speculation that is bound to end up nowhere?