Chelsea are ready to enter the market to sign a new central defender in January.
It follows a glut of injuries to Enzo Maresca’s first choice defenders in the early part of the season and a realisation that he does not have the strength in depth to the position that he would like.
In fact, the Italian was keen to reinforce in that position towards the end of the summer, and the club did look at Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo, whilst Nottingham Forest’s Murillo was another name under consideration.
Both remain possible targets although neither will be easy to get. Hansi Flick wanted to keep the Uruguayan captain, who has shown signs of returning to his best form after an injury-hit campaign last season.
And it may take big money to persuade Forest to part with one of their best players.
Marc Guèhi, though, is one name who will not be returning to Stamford Bridge, despite the fact that he will be available on a free next summer. And there appears no desire either to recall Axel Disasi from the “bomb squad”.
