Chelsea and Arsenal have been a bit friendly with each other in recent transfer windows, but they could be set to battle it out for the same player in the new year.
In the summer, Chelsea sold both Noni Madueke and Kepa Arrizabalaga to their London rivals.
Before that, they also allowed Kai Havertz and Jorginho to join them, so there has been a lot of trading between the two clubs over the last couple of years.
While Arsenal strengthened their central defence in the previous window, Chelsea decided not to. It has been claimed that Chelsea still have no plans to sign a centre-back in January, but that does not mean they are not looking at players, while things can change.
Chelsea monitoring AC Milan defender Strahinja Pavlovic
If Chelsea do decide to buy a new centre-half in January or next summer, they could make a move for AC Milan star Strahinja Pavlovic.
According to MilanLive, the Club World Cup winners, Arsenal and Barcelona are all monitoring Pavlovic.
The 24-year-old will not come cheap, though. MilanLive’s report claims that he could cost up to €70m (£60.7m).
In terms of profile, Pavlovic could be a very good fit for Enzo Maresca, who encourages his team to play out from the back.
As per FBref, Pavlovic makes 2.25 carries per 90 minutes, which is a lot for a central defender. Ultimately, he is capable of bringing the ball out of defence, a trait most coaches want in their centre-halves.
Centre-back has been a problem position for Maresca this season because of injuries. But Wesley Fofana has at least returned to training after suffering from a concussion.
Chelsea also interested in another Serie A defender
Pavlovic is not the only defender from Serie A who appears to be on Chelsea’s radar. It has been reported that Chelsea are also interested in Juventus’ Gleison Bremer.
Whether the Conference League holders change their stance and make a move for the Brazilian or Pavlovic in January, though, remains to be seen.
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