Chelsea considering January move for ‘fantastic’ £51m Barcelona star

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• EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey

Despite the influx of signings at Stamford Bridge this summer, Enzo Maresca doesn’t quite seem satisfied that his Chelsea squad is well enough equipped in all areas.

After their opening weekend defeat against Manchester City, Chelsea have shown signs of improvement since, winning impressively against Bournemouth last weekend.

In that victory, Jadon Sancho’s cameo was particularly pleasing – a clever signing on deadline day.

Chelsea vetoed a move for Kingsley Coman in favour of Sancho, a decision that is already paying dividends.

That being said, TBR Football understands that Chelsea are in the market for a new right-back in January given they continue to have huge worries over their captain, Reece James.

Chelsea interested in Jeremie Frimpong and Jules Kounde to solve issue

Chelsea already want to bring Marc Guehi back to Stamford Bridge, a player who would improve Maresca’s starting XI.

Last weekend against Bournemouth, Axel Disasi was pushed into action at right-back with Malo Gusto sidelined and James yet to play this season.

Despite Chelsea’ busy last couple of years in the transfer market, Maresca is still unsatisfied with some areas of his squad and he wants the club to consider recruiting a new right back in the New Year.

Chelsea have begun exploring options and some high-profile names are under consideration such as Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong and Barcelona’s Jules Kounde.

However, it’s currently most likely that Chelsea will head down the youngster route, and the club are interested in the likes of Freiburg’s Kiliann Sildillia, Fiorentina’s Michael Kayode and Geovany Quenda of Sporting Lisbon.

Michael Kayode on Chelsea wishlist after Tottenham interest

Kounde, who is a ‘fantastic’ defender in all areas, reportedly had a price tag of around £51m when some of Europe’s top sides were interested this summer.

Perhaps signing the Frenchman would negate the need to buy Guehi too given he’s astute as a centre-back and on the right.

Wesley Fofana is currently playing as Maresca’s right sided centre-back but perhaps Chelsea envision that Levi Colwill could have a new partner longer-term.

Of course, if Chelsea go down the route of signing an out-and-out right back, then Fiorentina’s Kayode could also be a stellar option for Maresca going forward.

Tottenham were linked with Kayode this summer, and perhaps Chelsea could steal the march on their rivals in the New Year.