5 Left Backs That Chelsea Could Sign In January As Pochettino Ponders Strengthening Key Position

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino is “increasingly open” to signing a new left-back this month, according to the Evening Standard.

It is believed that, in addition to a striker and a centre-back, the Blues are scouring the market for potential recruits in that position.

With Marc Cucurella out until February with an ankle injury and Ben Chilwell’s fitness remaining questionable, it is an area of the pitch that could do with some reinforcements.

Press the next page as we name five left-backs that Chelsea could sign during the January transfer window.

Alphonso Davies

The Canadian international has a contract that expires at the end of next season and talks over an extension have reportedly stalled.

Chelsea have been named among the teams that are interested in Davies.

The fullback fits the club’s recruitment policy with regards to being below 25 years of age, but his fitness record is just as poor as Ben Chilwell’s, having missed a considerable amount of football with injuries and health issues over the past 3 to 4 years.

There is also a feeling that Davies favours a move to Real Madrid, so a transfer to Stamford Bridge does look rather unlikely at the moment.

Ferland Mendy

If Pochettino is looking for someone to provide cover at left-back then the Frenchman could be a decent short-term solution.

Like Davies, Mendy also has less than 18 months left on his contract and it is believed that he will depart the Bernabeu at the end of the campaign if, that is, he doesn’t leave before then.

Real could be looking to sell Mendy in order to fund a move for his replacement, which could well be Davies.

At 28 years of age, Mendy wouldn’t necessarily fit the type of profile that the Blues’ recruitment team usually look at but the France international does have a good deal of experience.

Federico Dimarco

The Italian international was linked with a move to Stamford Bridge back in October, with reports suggesting that Chelsea had made an enquiry about the player.

Dimarco is still relatively young at 26 years of age but he only signed a contract extension at the end of last month, which would suggest that Inter would hold out for a sizeable fee.

The Nerazzurri are not in the best position financially so even the new contract wouldn’t stop them from selling the fullback.

However, Chelsea would probably have to make some effort to persuade Dimarco to leave considering he has recently committed his future.

Miguel Gutierrez

The Spaniard has impressed for Girona. The La Liga side have been the surprise package this season, being Real Madrid’s main challenger for the league title.

Gutierrez is one of those who has stood out with his performances at left-back or left-wingback, with Girona having lost just 1 of their 19 games, sitting second, level on points with Real.

One issue is that Girona are part of the City Football Group so Manchester City do have an option to sign the player.

It is also believed that Gutierrez’s former club Real Madrid have a buyback clause on the defender. Considering they are said to be in the market for a left-back, a return to the Bernabeu could be on the cards.

Patrick Dorgu

The Danish Under 21 international has broken into Leece’s first team this season, making 18 appearances in all competitions.

Even before Dorgu made his first-team debut, he had been linked with both Liverpool and Manchester City, but the player himself has already said that he is a Chelsea fan.

At 19 years of age, the left-back would be another player who is one for the future, so the club’s recruitment team would probably be keen on the transfer.

Whether Pochettino would be as happy to pursue someone like Dorgu, though, it remains to be seen.