Chelsea were keen on signing Fermin Lopez from Barcelona in the last summer transfer window.
Chelsea were looking for a new attacking midfielder and had the 22-year-old high on their shortlist.
In fact, it was claimed that Chelsea made an offer for Lopez, but it is thought that Barcelona did not even respond to the Blues’ proposal.
As well as Lopez, the Blues also appeared to be interested in another one of the Spanish club’s players.
Chelsea wanted Ronald Araujo
Right now, Liverpool are being linked with Ronald Araujo, but they are not the only Premier League club who seem to be fans of the central defender.
According to Sport, the Reds, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea all tried to sign Araujo in the last transfer window.
With Levi Colwill injured, Araujo is someone Enzo Maresca would undoubtedly have welcomed at Stamford Bridge.
He really could have done with him on Saturday after Benoit Badiashile and Josh Acheampong were taken off during Chelsea’s 2-1 win against Liverpool.
Badiashile and Acheampong were only substituted as a precaution, though, so Chelsea supporters have nothing to worry about.
After Tosin Adarabioyo’s injury, losing Badiashile and Acheampong was the last thing Maresca would have wanted.
How Ronald Araujo’s and Tosin Adarabioyo’s stats compare so far this season
Adarabioyo is the most experienced centre-half in Chelsea’s squad and is around the same age as Araujo. Therefore, it arguably makes most sense to compare Araujo to him.
The Chelsea star is performing more defensive actions per game than his Barcelona counterpart, though that may be because the Blues are on the back foot more and do a bit more defending compared to the La Liga champions.
| Player | League games | Tackles per game | Interceptions per game | Clearances per game | Average passes per game | Pass success rate |
| Ronald Araujo | 6 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 2.7 | 48.3 | 91.7% |
| Tosin Adarabioyo | 4 | 1.3 | 1.3 | 6.3 | 86.3 | 90.4% |
Whatever the case, Araujo could be a good signing for Chelsea if they go back in for him. They could do with another centre-back and one who has a lot of experience. Adarabioyo’s experience alone is not enough for Maresca’s team.
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