There were reports from Fabrizio Romano recently that Chelsea were looking at defenders before the close of the window, but ended up not signing anyone as they didn’t find a player (or at least a deal) they liked enough to pursue to the end.
Most have taken this to mean a centre-back, but a report from CaughtOffside today claims that there’s also interest in another position. Patrick Dorgu is a defender – but a left back.
“Lecce youngster Patrick Dorgu is a name increasingly appreciated by Chelsea, as well as other top clubs, and CaughtOffside understands the Blues could focus on making him a priority for January,” the story goes.
They add that the club have “requested information” on how much the player would cost as they begin preparations for strengthening the squad in January. It feels far off, given the summer window has just closed, but at the end of this month there are just 90 days until January, let’s not forget…
Space in Chelsea’s squad despite the players now on the books
Of course Chelsea are theoretically well stocked in the position – Marc Cucurella is first choice, Renato Veiga second choice and Ben Chilwell frozen out in the bomb squad. But Cucurella is a flawed player, we don’t know how good Veiga really is, and Chilwell is getting booted the moment the club find a taker.
So it’s not at all crazy to think that a talented 19 year old, on reasonable wages for a reasonable fee – could get snapped up. We will certainly be keeping a very close eye on this one. A lot will depend on the form of Cucurella and Veiga in these next few months – if there are issues, it looks like Dorgu is being lined up to come in.