Fabrizio Romano claimed that Chelsea had put Jose Gimenez at the top of their list of centre-backs they would potentially like to sign, speaking on the Here We Go Podcast.
Atletico Madrid’s defender has been linked with the Blues for some time as they look to recruit in defensive areas.
A recent report by The Athletic stated that Gimenez had been on Chelsea’s radar since 2016.
They also mentioned that the Uruguayan was among two other high-profile central defenders that were also being monitored.
Bayern Munich’s Niklas Sule and Ibrahima Konate of RB Leipzig had been cited as well.
But according to Romano, it was Gimenez’s name who topped Chelsea’s pile.
He said: “Chelsea’s dream is José María Giménez from Atletico Madrid.
“They were trying for him last summer, but Atletico said release of €120M (£102m) or nothing.
“This is the release clause still valid this summer. So it won’t be easy.”
Gimenez has been a steady presence in Madrid’s backline since he signed for Diego Simeone back in 2013.
However, this season in Spain hasn’t been one of the 26-year-old’s finest for Atleti.
Injuries and contracting covid have contributed to his decreased amount of game time.
He’s amassed just 17 appearances in total and hasn’t featured at all since last month.
Chelsea may be taking a risk on a player with such a chequered medical record.
Yet, their desperation for more defensive cover becomes clearer by the day. Although, their current crop of centre-backs hasn’t given a bad account for themselves lately.
Since Thomas Tuchel took over, Chelsea have conceded just two goals and kept nine clean sheets in 11 matches.
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I’m still not sure how sensible this move would be.
As much as Gimenez is a solid, highly rated player, I don’t think chucking £102m at him is the answer.
Chelsea’s problems lie further afield in the attacking department.
So that many saved up should surely be spent on a striker. Erling Haaland I hear you say…
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