“They need to” – Sky Sports pundit urges Chelsea to sign “elite” player this month | OneFootball

Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp has urged Chelsea to sign a centre back this month after their defeat to Arsenal on Wednesday night.

The Blues lost the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi final 3-2 at Stamford Bridge, and face a huge task in the second leg if they are to make it to Wembley.

Alejandro Garnacho scored twice from the bench, but the Blues will be kicking themselves as Arsenal were gifted two goals from Robert Sanchez errors. 

Jamie Redknapp urges Chelsea to sign a centre back

A bout of flu in the camp meant Chelsea were without both Jamie Gittens and Liam Delap, whilst Reece James, Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto also missed out.

Estevao made an impact going forward, whilst Garnacho got the goals, and Rosenior labelled Pedro Neto’s performance as “outstanding,” the Blues struggled defensively.

Chelsea looked vulnerable defensively against Arsenal. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

It’s arguably the worst the team have been defensively all season, and the Blues were all over the place at the back from the get go.

Both Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana struggled, and Redknapp has urged Chelsea to sign an experienced centre back this month.

“I honestly think that they need to try and get a centre-back in the window. Not just another body, but an elite player,” he told Sky Sports.

“It’s not going to be easy, but anybody they can get in, that’s an area they need to strengthen.

Blues need experience at the back

Whilst it’s obvious Chelsea need a centre back, Redknapp added it’s vital they add someone with experience to the back line.

“They need experience. If they were to say ‘what would we change?’ I think it would be to sprinkle a bit of experience into the mix.

More Stories / Latest News

Liam Rosenior reveals what he made “really clear” to “vulnerable” Chelsea ace before Arsenal game

15th Jan 2026, 08:15am

“They need to” – Sky Sports pundit urges Chelsea to sign “elite” player this month

15th Jan 2026, 07:45am

“Processes” – Chelsea’s star man reacts on Instagram after defeat against Arsenal

15th Jan 2026, 07:30am

“You can’t get Thiago Silva’s because those are almost like unicorns, but someone with a bit of experience.

“When things are going against you, someone who is going to organise and talk. It’s alright saying it, but it will be tough. It has been done before. Liverpool signed Virgil [van Dijk] in January.”