Chelsea are reportedly looking to bring in a right-back this month, with Aston Villa defender Matty Cash emerging on their radar.
According to Simon Phillips, Chelsea are thought to be keeping tabs on Polish international Matty Cash. And the 25-year-old could be an expensive option for them this month.
Phillips said, “A new name being considered by Chelsea is Matty Cash from Aston Villa. The Polish international has come onto the radar at Chelsea and is being discussed as a real option. Nothing has advanced as of yet, but he’s been put forward as a candidate to be looked at and Chelsea could soon reach out and make contact in the next few days. The 25-year-old has a longer contract until 2027 though, and he wouldn’t be the cheapest option available.”
Chelsea are without preferred right-back Reece James because of a knee injury. So they are looking to bring in more quality and depth in that position. Graham Potter has had to field midfielders as full-backs in the absence of the England international.
It seems that the Chelsea manager is now looking to bring in a specialist alternative to James and has identified Cash as a potential target. The 25-year-old has a contract with Aston Villa until the summer of 2027. And it is fair to assume that the West Midlands club could demand a premium for his services.
Cash has proven his quality in the Premier League as well as at the international level with Poland. He could be a quality acquisition for Chelsea if they manage to secure his services this month. The Polish international is likely to be tempted to move to Stamford Bridge. But he has a long-term contract with Aston Villa, and the Premier League club are firmly in control of the situation.
Unai Emery will be hoping to guide his side to a top-half finish this season, and he might not be keen on weakening his squad midway through the season. Villa are currently working to improve their defence and attack. Sanctioning the departure of Matty Cash will only force them to dip into the market for another right-back.
It will be interesting to see how the situation develops over the next few days. Simon Phillips has claimed that Chelsea could reach out to the 25-year-old and make contact regarding a potential transfer in the next few days. Meanwhile, Chelsea have also shown interest in other right-backs, including Pedro Porro.
The Blues are currently fighting for a place in the UEFA Champions League next season, and they will have to strengthen their squad sufficiently to secure a top-four finish. They have already improved their defense by signing French centre-back Benoit Badiashile and the arrival of Cash will improve them further.