Chelsea will be looking to add to their centre-back ranks this summer. Several reliable sources have confirmed that over the last few weeks. The Blues had seemed keen on strengthening there in the winter window itself. They had reportedly agreed on personal terms with Jeremy Jacquet. But he eventually signed with Liverpool. Marcos Senesi was linked for a while as well.
Ultimately, Chelsea did not sign a new centre-back. Instead, they cut short Aaron Anselmino’s loan spell at Borussia Dortmund and sent him to Strasbourg, while bringing in Mamadou Sarr from the French club.
Three months into the Liam Rosenior era and Chelsea’s defence has only gotten worse with time. They shipped eight goals to PSG over two legs. Lately, they have conceded thrice each against Everton and Manchester City without reply.
Levi Colwill has not played this season after his ACL injury in pre-season training. The others don’t seem to be good enough to be starting regularly for Chelsea. In the case of Josh Acheampong, he has not gotten a fair chance to show what he is capable of. All things considered, the defensive situation is a mess and the Blues need to bring in some quality there.
Chelsea eyeing move for Portugal international with €60 million release clause
According to AS, Chelsea are one of the clubs interested in Goncalo Inacio. Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Manchester United and Liverpool are believed to be keeping an eye as well. There is a clause valued at €60 million in his contract with Sporting CP that runs until 2030.
The Spanish outlet goes on to describe Inacio as the best defender outside the five major leagues. He already has 20 caps for the Portugal national team.
Still just 24 years of age, he has a solid bit of experience under his belt. He has played more than 250 times for Sporting CP. Also, he knows what it takes to play winning football with seven trophies in his cabinet. But is he type of centre-back that Chelsea need right now?
What do stats say about Gonaclo Inacio and his fit for Chelsea’s needs?
Inacio is elite when it comes to his passing and comfort on the ball. He tops the centre-backs in the Portuguese league when it comes to touches, successful passes, chances created and assists.
That being said, it is the other side of the game that will concern Chelsea fans. He is not good in the air. Despite having size, he wins just 45.7% of his aerial duels. That puts him in the 7th percentile. He also wins 56.4% of his overall duels, which is below average. He gets dribbled past often and can also get dispossessed.
On top of that, you have to consider that he has played most of his football in a back three, something Chelsea are unlikely to deploy. So, in my opinion, a move for Inacio might not be the right one for the Blues. What they need right now is solidity and the Portuguese international might struggle to provide that.
