Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge stadium by Ank kumar, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Nizaar Kinsella of Goal say Chelsea are considering dipping into the transfer market when the winter transfer window opens, as Thomas Tuchel needs cover for the injured Ben Chilwell.
The 25-year-old ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in November’s 4-0 win over Juventus but now has to undergo surgery which will keep him sidelined for the remainder of the season.
Chelsea are expected to spend in January as a result and Kinsella believes Everton defender Lucas Digne is an option. The 28-year-old has an uncertain future at Goodison Park after falling out with Rafael Benitez – the Everton manager has accused his left-back of being selfish and not putting the team first.
Digne hasn’t played since the beginning of December, missing Everton’s last three Premier League games, and could find himself behind Vitaliy Mykolenko once he joins, so an exit could be on the cards next month.
Marcos Alonso has come in for Chilwell, but there’s no other cover at left-back as Emerson Palmeiri was loaned out to Olympique Lyonnais in August. That means Thomas Tuchel would have to use another defender in a makeshift role should Alonso miss out for any reason.
That’s where Digne comes in. The French international has made 127 appearances in all competitions, scoring six goals with 20 assists, but his days look numbered while Benitez is in charge. Digne isn’t commanding a starting place and may jump at the chance to play for Chelsea given his Champions League aspirations, so a move could suit all parties.
Kinsella notes that Chelsea would only want a temporary deal with Everton for Digne as Chilwell is expected to be a part of the side next season, so a six-month loan deal could be an option. Benitez would have a troublesome player away from his squad for the rest of the season and Chelsea bolster their backline.
