Chelsea’s Winger Conundrum: Why Reinforcements Are on the Radar
Chelsea are considering signing another right-footed winger to address squad depth concerns, particularly on the left flank, amidst uncertainties over Mykhailo Mudryk’s availability and the need for greater goal contributions from wide players.
Original Source
The Athletic
Written by
Steve Worrell
With Chelsea facing uncertainty over Mykhailo Mudryk’s potential suspension following a doping case and existing wingers like Noni Madueke and Pedro Neto struggling for consistency, the club is exploring options to bolster their attacking depth. Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens have emerged as potential targets, with the club prioritising reinforcements who can play effectively on the left flank. While the promotion of academy star Tyrique George has offered promise, Chelsea seem hesitant to rely too heavily on the 18-year-old during a critical phase of the season, especially with Champions League qualification and multiple trophy pursuits on the line.
- Mudryk’s Uncertain Future:
- Mykhailo Mudryk faces a provisional suspension for testing positive for a banned substance, with his B sample results pending.
- Mudryk’s absence would leave Chelsea short on left-flank options, where he has contributed modestly but consistently as a squad player.
- Limited Left-Sided Options:
- Chelsea’s current right-footed wingers, including Pedro Neto and Jadon Sancho, are less effective on the left, and academy talent Tyrique George is not yet deemed ready for regular first-team action.
- Neto and Madueke have shown flashes of quality but lack consistent goal contributions, adding to the urgency for reinforcements.
- Potential Targets:
- Chelsea have made inquiries about Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho and Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens, both of whom could address the left-flank gap.
- Garnacho’s situation at Manchester United may make him a more attainable target during this transfer window.
- Balancing Development and Experience:
- The club must strike a balance between developing young talents like George and ensuring the squad has the depth and quality needed for immediate success.
- With several competitions still in play, Chelsea’s management seems inclined to add experience rather than over-relying on young prospects.
- Future Reinforcements on the Way:
- Estevao Willian and Kendry Paez are set to join Chelsea in the summer, but their profiles suggest they are better suited for roles on the right or centrally, leaving the left flank still under-addressed.
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Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Written by
Steve Worrell
Steve, Co-founder of The 1905 Club, created the platform to provide honest, clickbait-free Chelsea FC content. He worked at Stamford Bridge from 2013 to 2016 with a Champions League sponsor. His first Chelsea match was a 1-0 win at Leeds in 2000, and his favourite was the epic 2012 Champions League game against Napoli.
