Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Athletic Club defender Aitor Paredes as a potential long-term replacement for veteran Thiago Silva.
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Chelsea are keen to sign Athletic Club defender Aitor Paredes in order to bolster their backline and are lining up a €20 million offer to land his services in the ongoing January transfer window.
Following Inigo Martinez’s move to Barcelona last summer and Yeray Alvarez’s injury issues this season, Aitor Paredes has established himself as a regular starter for Athletic Club. The 23-year-old has impressed since taking his place on Ernesto Valverde’s side, helping his side to fourth place in the standings. He even netted his first senior goal for the club against Sevilla in midweek, with a Spain call-up beckoning him.
Given his meteoric rise over the past six months or so, some major clubs across Europe have begun to take notice of Paredes’ performances. Amongst his suitors from England is Chelsea, who have sent scouts to watch Paredes live in action multiple times across this campaign.
The Blues have struggled this season at the back. Pochettino’s side are sitting mid-table in the Premier League and have conceded 31 goals, and one of the causes of these problems has been injuries to Wesley Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah. Benoit Badiashile has also had to deal with injury issues and has made just eight appearances across competitions this season.
Chelsea have been impressed by Paredes’ ability to pass the ball from the back, along with his strong athletic profile and recovery speed. And with Thiago Silva ready to call it quits on his time in London next summer, they view Paredes’ as the Brazilian’s natural successor at Stamford Bridge. As such, the Pensioners’ are lining up a €20 million offer for the 23-year-old defender, who is under contract until 2025.
Although Chelsea’s interest in the Spanish defender is evident through their scouting mission, uncertainty remains around Athletic Club’s stance regarding the possible sale of Paredes midway through the season. There is speculation that any offer this month will be swiftly turned down to avoid risking their fine campaign, but the outlook could change next summer.
