Chelsea eye star players to replace club captain Reece James

According to reports, Chelsea has created a five-man shortlist in their quest to find a new right-back. Over the summer, the Blues evaluated a number of prospects for the position, but in the end, they chose to trust the group of defenders they currently have, even letting Trevoh Chalobah go on loan to Crystal Palace.

But with Reece James as well as Malo Gusto's injuries, there already seems like there has been a change of attitude at Stamford Bridge. Axel Disasi has mostly been playing right back lately, but it's still uncertain what the future holds for him at Chelsea.

Enzo Maresca's team is examining a number of options as they prepare to chase a right-back during the January transfer window. Jeremie Frimpong, the star of Bayer Leverkusen, is one of the prospects being evaluated following his incredible 2023–2024 Bundesliga season. Leverkusen is unlikely to accept lowball offers for the Netherlands international defender, who has previously been linked to Manchester United as well as Manchester City.

Jules Kounde of Barcelona has long been admired by Chelsea, and the Frenchman also gets taken into consideration. Barca is anticipated to place a £51 million value on the 25-year-old, and Maresca is likely to be drawn to his versatility.

Which other players are Chelsea targeting for the right-back spot?

The Blues are additionally looking at individuals who might be available for less money, like Geovany Quenda of Sporting and Killian Sildillia of Freiburg. Michael Kayode, the star of Fiorentina, is apparently also on Chelsea's short list of possibilities after previously being connected to Tottenham.

Given that Gusto is getting closer to being fully healthy again, the Blues may not be eager to sign a star right-back if anyone becomes available. This might leave the club with three choices in the position later on. Reece James, on the other hand, is still currently injured and is not anticipated to play for Chelsea anytime soon.