According to reports from the Daily Star, Chelsea boss Frank Lampard is targeting Atletico Madrid defender Jose Gimenez to shore up his shaky defense.
The Blues have already signed striker Timo Werner and winger Hakim Ziyech and are expected to add Bayer Leverkusen star Kai Havertz to a new-look squad. After revamping the attack, Lampard is now looking for defensive reinforcements.
Chelsea conceded the most number of goals by any team in the top half of the Premier League table this past season. None of the existing center-backs are reliable enough. Antonio Rudiger has injury issues. Andreas Christensen and Kurt Zouma are inexperienced and make mistakes very often.
Reports from the Telegraph states that Chelsea have taken an interest in Atletico Madrid defender Jose Gimenez. The London club are keeping tabs on him since the restart.
The 25-year-old is a regular in Diego Simeone’s side has impressed the Chelsea boss. Lampard identifies him as a positive solution to his defense.
Though a £109m release clause slapped on the defender’s
back would be a deterrent for some clubs, Chelsea reportedly hopes to negotiate
that price down thanks to their cordial relationship with the Spanish side.
With Chelsea leaking goals at the back and none of the defenders standing up to lead this defense, The Uruguayan international can certainly help. After Diego Godin left the club last summer, Gimenez has been sensational at the heart of the defense for Atletico.
Gimenez is an old-school defender. He bullies strikers, dominates in the air, and is aggressive in the challenge. He shouts, hollers, fights, and he battles, but he also an air of calmness and clarity when needed.
Chelsea will not solve their defensive mishaps with one player. But as Lampard looks to address his team’s greatest shortcoming, Gimenez would be an excellent start.
