Centre-back is an area of the pitch where Chelsea could do with some strengthening. Levi Colwill's injury has left them weak in the heart of defence. Perhaps Benoit Badiashile could be a solution, based on his stellar display against Liverpool, but he remains extremely injury-prone, just like Wesley Fofana. On the other hand, the likes of Trevoh Chalobah and Tosin Adarabioyo just don't seem to be good enough to be starters for a club with title aspirations.
Josh Acheampong has done well and many believe he has world-class potential. But for some reason, Enzo Maresca does not seem to trust him fully yet. On the other hand, Jorrel Hato does not seem to be ready, as was clear from his display against Qarabag.
Maresca clearly wanted another centre-back after Colwill's injury in the summer but was not provided one. Let's see if the club rectify that mistake in the winter.
As reported by TEAMtalk, Chelsea have reignited their long-standing interest in Ousmane Diomande. They have made a flurry of enquiries across Portugal this week. On the other hand, Crystal Palace could table a bid north of €50m for the Sporting CP defender in January.
Chelsea want to sign centre-back amid talks of record bid
If Crystal Palace do end up submitting a bid in the region, and it is accepted, it would be their record signing. Of course, they need to find a successor to Marc Guehi, with the England international expected to leave soon, whether it be this winter or in the summer.
Many feel that Guehi could be a very good signing for Chelsea as well. But for some reason, it looks like the club are not interested in bringing the Cobham graduate back to Stamford Bridge.
Perhaps the club are unwilling to move away from their self-imposed strategy of signing only youngsters. Centre-back is one area where experience is worth a lot.