Chelsea have reportedly set their sights on signing Barcelona’s Sergino Dest as the ultimate goal this month.
According to Sport, Dest is now the ‘number one’ transfer target for the Stamford Bridge chain of command.
The 21-year-old has been heavily linked with the Champions League holders ever since their injury issues began to mount up.
Why are Chelsea Dest-perate?
Following the loss of Ben Chilwell and Reece James, the Blues are very limited in the full-back/ wing-back department.
Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta remain the only two recognised senior members who can play in those positions.
Thomas Tuchel deployed Hakim Ziyech at right wing-back last night against Tottenham Hotspur, before needing to use Christian Pulisic at right-back whilst Azpilicueta was off the pitch.
Clearly, Chelsea need reinforcements in this area of the field, hence their apparent burning desire to sign Dest in January.
What’s going on with Dest?
Sport claim an approach has already been made by the Premier League outfit for Barca’s young defender.
If this is the case, then the Blues will probably have been met by quite a firm response.
The Spanish side only landed the American international in October 2020.
His contract does not expire until 2025 and the club probably believe the player has plenty more to give in terms of potential output.
Now Dest is working with Barca legend Dani Alves, his skill set should improve dramatically.
“I will try to help him as much as I can. I believe Dest is a fantastic player and he has the talent to become one of the best players in the world,” said Alves.
Dest-ined for Chelsea?
However, whilst the La Liga team stumble and fumble around, Chelsea are still in a title race – if not very thinly – and safely into the Champions League knockout rounds.
Other than the English weather, there aren’t many incentives for Dest to remain at the Camp Nou rather than switching to the Bridge.
Keep up to date with all the latest Chelsea news and opinion by following The Chelsea Chronicle’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.