Chelsea 'draw up five-man shortlist' to replace Reece James after more injury misery

Chelsea have reportedly drawn up a five-man shortlist as part of their search for a new right-back.

The Blues assessed several options for the position over the summer but ultimately decided to put their faith in their current crop of defenders, even allowing Trevoh Chalobah to leave the club on loan to Crystal Palace.

However, there already appears to have been a change of heart at Stamford Bridge due to injuries sustained by Reece James and Malo Gusto. Axel Disasi has been deployed in right back in recent weeks, though his future with Chelsea remains unclear.

According to TBR Football, the Blues are set to pursue a right-back in the January transfer option, with various options being explored by Enzo Maresca’s side.

Bayer Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong is among the candidates being assessed after his sensational 2023/24 campaign in the Bundesliga. The Netherlands international has been linked with Manchester United and Manchester City previously, and Leverkusen are unlikely to entertain cut-price offers for the defender.

Chelsea are long-term admirers of Barcelona’s Jules Kounde as well and the Frenchman is a consideration as well. The 25-year-old is expected to be valued at £51million by Barca, and his versatility is likely to prove attractive to Maresca.

The Blues are also looking at players who could be available for a lesser fee, such as Freiburg’s Killian Sildillia and Sporting’s Geovany Quenda. Fiorentina star Michael Kayode is also reportedly on Chelsea’s shortlist of options, having previously been linked with Tottenham.

It is unclear whether the Blues would be keen to bring in a marquee right-back if one becomes available given that it could leave them with three options in the role further down the line, with Gusto edging closer to a return to full fitness.