Chelsea’s plans to bolster their defensive line in January have faced a major obstacle with Ronald Araujo agreeing to a contract extension at Barcelona, ending speculation linking him to the Blues. Additionally, the return of Trevoh Chalobah from his Crystal Palace loan and Palace’s decision not to sell Marc Guehi this month leave Chelsea’s central defense reinforcement plans uncertain. While they may no longer feel an urgent need to sign a centre-back, any pursuit of Guehi or other targets could be postponed until the summer transfer window.