Following two straight wins after the international break, Chelsea’s bid for a top five finish in the Premier League is back on track as they look to return to the Champions League next year having missed out on any European competition this time around.
With only one game a week for much of the ongoing campaign, Xabi Alonso’s squad depth will not be tested as rigorously but to challenge for silverware next season, the Blues will need to make some investments during the summer transfer window.
Simon Phillips has reported that right wing-back is a key area of interest for Chelsea, who have identified Real Madrid star Trent Alexander-Arnold as a surprise addition to their side. The 28-year-old is valued at £50 million on Transfermarkt.
Denzel Dumfries and Federico Valverde rank higher than Alexander-Arnold in Jose Mourinho’s pecking order, so if his role remains restricted for the next few months, it will not be a surprise if the player is open to a Premier League return.
Alexander-Arnold an excellent purchase for Chelsea move unlikely
Chelsea would be significantly bolstered at right wing-back by Trent Alexander-Arnold’s addition. His line-breaking passes, chance creation and the ability to deliver pinpoint crosses into the area would make him a solid fit for the role.
By featuring at wing-back as opposed to in a more defensive positions, the English international’s shortcomings without the ball would be masked, while Pedro Neto, who has played in the role this season, can be used to improve offensive depth instead.
Reece James’ defensive attributes are much stronger than Alexander-Arnold’s, so he can play in a three-man backline if required but the Chelsea captain has anyways showed more utility in a midfield role, so it will be interesting to see if his future lies there.
As far as Alexander-Arnold is concerned, however, it looks unlikely that he will return to the Premier League, unless it is to join Liverpool, where he has spent the lion’s share of his career at. It remains to be seen what the future holds for him at Real Madrid, but even at a very early stage, it is fair to discount a Chelsea move owing to his strong Merseyside connection.
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