MX23RW : Wednesday, November 27 04:21:48| >> :120:23216:23216:

Chelsea 'weighing up Aitor Paredes swoop'

Chelsea 'weighing up Aitor Paredes swoop'
© Reuters
Chelsea are allegedly contemplating whether to make a January approach for Athletic Bilbao defender Aitor Paredes.

Chelsea have reportedly identified Athletic Bilbao defender Aitor Paredes as a January transfer target.

Despite having spent in excess of £1bn across three transfer windows, it has been widely claimed that Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital are prepared to conduct further business.

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino allegedly feels that his squad could benefit from a new central defender, central midfielder and forward to boost their chances of a return to Europe.

Furthermore, the Argentine is said to want more height at his disposal, yet Chelsea may have to part ways with a number of players before deals can go through.

Although Conor Gallagher is expected to stay at Stamford Bridge, Borussia Dortmund are in talks to sign Ian Maatsen and Trevoh Chalobah is known to be available for transfer.

Trevoh Chalobah in action for Chelsea in July 2023© Reuters

According to The Sun, the West Londoners hold an interest in securing the services of Paredes before the end of the month.

The 23-year-old has played a key role for Athletic this campaign, making a total of 17 appearances and two substitute outings in La Liga.

Athletic currently possess the third-best defensive record in Spain's top flight and sit in fourth position, ahead of Atletico Madrid on goal difference.

Given those circumstances, Athletic are unlikely to be open to cashing in on Paredes unless they receive an offer in January that is too lucrative to refuse.

Athletic Bilbao coach Ernesto Valverde on October 22, 2023© Reuters

Nevertheless, the report claims that Chelsea have sent a scout to assess the progress of Paredes on seven occasions this campaign, an indication of their admiration.

Paredes is also a former Spain Under-21 international whose performances have put him in contention to represent his country at Euro 2024, despite currently being uncapped for the seniors.

On a negative note for Chelsea, Athletic have reportedly refused to name an asking price for Paredes, but he does have just 18 months remaining on his contract.

Chelsea have lacked clean sheets during their first season under Pochettino, keeping just seven shutouts in 25 matches in all competitions.

ID:533228:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect4298:

Click here for more stories about Aitor Paredes

Click here for more stories about Chelsea

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher pictured in August 2023
Read Next:
Conor Gallagher 'determined to remain at Chelsea'
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool1210112481631
2Manchester CityMan City127232217523
3Chelsea126422314922
4Arsenal126422112922
5Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton126422116522
6Tottenham HotspurSpurs1261527131419
7Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest125431513219
8Aston Villa125431919019
9Fulham125341717018
10Newcastle UnitedNewcastle125341313018
11Brentford125252222017
12Manchester UnitedMan Utd124441313016
13Bournemouth124351617-115
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham124351519-415
15Everton122551017-711
16Leicester CityLeicester122461523-810
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves122372028-89
18Ipswich TownIpswich121651323-109
19Crystal Palace121561017-78
20Southampton121110924-154


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!