Chelsea view ‘true leader’ as ‘market opportunity’ ahead of January transfer window

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Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing another midfielder in the January transfer window.

Enzo Maresca is not lacking options in the middle of the park. The Chelsea head coach currently has Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Romeo Lavia, Andrey Santos and Dario Essugo all in his squad.

However, Essugo is out injured after undergoing surgery, while Lavia has also had several fitness issues since arriving at Stamford Bridge in 2023.

Last Friday, Maresca said Lavia was “better” and the 21-year-old was able to feature in Chelsea‘s 3-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion over the weekend, so that is at least one piece of good news.

• READ MORE: Chelsea are crying out for ‘exceptional’ central defender club are now considering for January window

Chelsea view Manuel Locatelli as a good opportunity

Despite the quality options that Chelsea already have in midfield, it looks like they could make a move for Juventus’ Manuel Locatelli in the new year.

According to CaughtOffside’s Daily Briefing, Chelsea view Locatelli as a “market opportunity”, with the Italian set to become available.

Locatelli could be a great addition to this very young Chelsea squad. At 27, Locatelli has a lot of experience, while he is also Juventus’ captain.

The Conference League holders are missing figures like Locatelli, who has been described as a “true leader” by his manager Igor Tudor.

After Locatelli’s decision to hand teammate Dusan Vlahovic a penalty at the Club World Cup, Tudor said (via Juventus’ official club website): “Locatelli’s gesture of letting him take the penalty was a true leader’s gesture.”

Locatelli is not the only Serie A star being linked with a move to west London. It is thought that Chelsea are also interested in Nico Paz of Como.

Chelsea could sign Manuel Locatelli for bargain fee

If Chelsea do decide to make a move for Locatelli when the transfer market reopens, he should not cost too much money.

The Daily Briefing’s report states that the Italy international could cost just €40m (£34.8m).

Considering what the buying club would be getting, that is an absolute bargain. Whether Chelsea actually need Locatelli or not, though, is another conversation.