Chelsea are mulling over a move for RB Leipzig youngster Matthew Bondswell, who is being eyed as a potential understudy for Ben Chilwell.
According to Daily Telegraph, Chelsea are once again scouring the Bundesliga for potential reinforcements in the upcoming January transfer window. This time around, they have set their sights on RB Leipzig’s young left-back Matthew Bondswell, who is a former member of the Nottingham Forest youth academy.
Although Bondswell is currently on loan at FC Dordrecht in the Dutch second division, we could witness a potential tussle for his services in the winter transfer window. Chelsea could, in fact, face stiff competition from London rivals West Ham United while Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon are also eyeing a move.
RB Leipzig have already become an appealing destination for young players in recent years, thanks to coach Julian Nagelsmann. However, it appears Bondswell’s prospects in east Germany is non-existent due to the emergence of Angelino while the Bundesliga giants also boast the services of German international Marcel Halstenberg.
Chelsea are now using this opportunity to make a move for Bondswell as they prepare for life without Emerson Palmieri. The ex-AS Roma left-back, who has failed to replicate his success in the Premier League, has recently been linked with a return to Serie A, with Juventus, in particular, vying for his services.
Another fringe player Chelsea have in their ranks is Marcos Alonso. The Spaniard has not had much luck in the first-team following the arrival of Chilwell, who is currently one of the best left-backs in the Premier League. So it won’t be surprising to see the Blues cashing in on not only Emerson but Alonso in the near future.
It could open up an excellent opportunity for Bondswell to become Chelsea’s number one alternative to Chilwell. The London giants have already embraced the influx of young players following the appointment of Frank Lampard last year, notably playing a key role in nurturing the development of Mason Mount, Reece James and Tammy Abraham over the past 18 months.
Bondswell could, therefore, fancy his chances at Stamford Bridge. The 18-year-old has already shown a lot of promise at FC Dordrecht this season, attracting the interest of a host of clubs across Europe. And with time on his side, he could be an interesting long-term investment for Chelsea this January.
