Chelsea are looking at a few right-back targets, including Celtic’s Josip Juranovic who has had a fine World Cup campaign so far for Croatia, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.
Reece James finally returned to the training pitch on Friday, as confirmed by Chelsea’s official website, following a knee injury as the team continues their warm weather camp in Abu Dhabi.
This is a massive boost for the Blues who had suffered from the England international’s absence prior to the World Cup break. Four losses in their last five games clearly showed that.
However, the heavy reliance on James for the right wing-back position is obviously a problem.
Graham Potter still has captain Cesar Azpilicueta and Ruben Loftus-Cheek as alternative options, but neither of them is truly comfortable in this role.
Due to his age, Azpilicueta understandably lacks speed, while Loftus-Cheek is naturally a midfielder.
It is hardly a surprise that Chelsea have reportedly considered bringing in a new right-back.
According to CBS Sports’ Jacobs, the Blues have looked at a few names, including Celtic’s Juranovic.
Chelsea move a possibility for Croatia star Juranovic
The 27-year-old has caught a lot of attention for his performance in the World Cup for Croatia, particularly in the quarter-final win over Brazil.
Juranovic made four tackles and one interception in the game and stopped Brazil players from dribbling past him for 120 minutes.
He also created three chances, which is even more than his Croatian playmakers; Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic.
Jacobs also spotted that Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr. had a hard time playing against Juranovic.
“Juranovic is having himself a game. Not many who can outrun Vini Jr,” the journalist wrote on Twitter after the game.
On Chelsea’s interest in the defender, Jacobs added: “[A move to Stamford Bridge] is certainly possible.
“One of a few they [Chelsea] are looking at.”
Juranovic joined Celtic in 2021 for a reported fee of €3million (£2.58m) and is under contract with the Scottish side until 2026.
Keep up to date with all the latest Chelsea news and opinion by following The Chelsea Chronicle’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
