Enzo Maresca has persuaded the Chelsea board to buy a new central defender in the January transfer window, with Joel Ordonez emerging as their major target, though competition from Italy is expected, according to sources.
Maresca urged Chelsea officials to sign a centre-back this summer after key player Levi Colwill had to undergo surgery for an ACL injury, ruling him out for the majority of the season. Jorrel Hato, a versatile Dutch defender, had already come from Ajax, but Maresca needed another player to round out his roster.
Despite Wesley Fofana’s absence, those above Maresca advised the Italian to rely on Trevoh Chalobah, Benoit Badiashile, and Josh Acheampong.
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Chelsea were given a scare over the weekend when Badiashile and Acheampong had to be replaced.
While the pair do not appear to have sustained long-term injuries, Chelsea’s depleted centre-back alternatives appear to have compelled recruitment officials to act.
According to journalist Graeme Bailey, work is already underway on a winter signing, and Club Brugge’s Ordonez is a strong possibility.
“Chelsea are now looking seriously at bringing in another centre-half, their options are being stretched and they are now doing work on potential options including Ordonez – who they have liked for a long time,” Bailey reported to the Chelsea Chronicle.
Moises Caicedo would be happy with Ordonez’s arrival at Stamford Bridge. The two are Ecuadorian teammates, and Caicedo recommended his compatriot to Chelsea officials in February.
Liverpool expressed interest in signing Ordonez in August. It was revealed that they had staged a’scouting extravaganza’ involving some of Europe’s greatest young defenders, including Ordonez.
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