Journalist speaks out on Chelsea’s January plans for defensive target | OneFootball

Chelsea are interested in Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo, but are unlikely to make a move in January according reports.

The Blues lost Levi Colwill to an ACL injury before the start of the season, and despite public pleas from Enzo Maresca, Chelsea didn’t sign a centre back to replace him.

Chelsea have struggled at centre back this season, through both injury and individual errors which has cost the team points.

Chelsea unlikely to make Ronald Araujo move in January

Chelsea were without Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana and Tosin Adarabioyo for last weekend’s win against Liverpool.

Benoit Badiashile and Josh Acheampong started the game, but both had to come off through injury in the second half, although the pair are thought to be ok.

Whether the Blues sign a centre back in January remains to be seen, but they are interested in Barcelona’s Araujo according to journalist Peter O’Rourke.

Chelsea are unlikely to move for Araujo in January.

“I don’t think they’ll (Chelsea) do anything in January,” he told Football Insider.

“Liverpool were linked in the summer. Again, I’m not sure they’ll try and sign him in January. Both of those clubs will be monitoring his long-term situation at Barcelona.

“If Barcelona do give any indication that they would sell at Araujo, I think there’ll be other clubs willing to sign the Uruguay international.

“Come next summer, if Barcelona’s financial situation hasn’t improved, then it could open the door for a possible move away.”

Chelsea have previously been linked with Araujo, although a move for the Uruguay international has never materialised.

Araujo is under contract until 2031 and has made seven appearances in all competitions so far this season, scoring once.

Chelsea linked with Nottingham Forest star Murillo

Araujo isn’t the only defender Chelsea have been linked with, and Nottingham Forest star Murillo is also said to be on their radar.

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Murillo has been linked with Chelsea previously, and the Brazilian signed a new contract with Forest until 2029 earlier this year.

The 23-year-old has made four appearances in all competitions so far this season, with Forest struggling down in 17th in the league.