Fabrizio Romano remains unsure on which new left-back Chelsea will target amid links to Rayan Ait-Nouri and Bradley Locko.
Fabrizio Romano on Caught Offside has rubbished rumours linking Chelsea to two left-backs. The Italian transfer journalist insisted there are no specific names he is aware of concerning the Blues’ hunt for a new full-back while somewhat dismissing links to Rayan Ait-Nouri and Bradley Locko.
Fabrizio Romano dismisses Chelsea links for two left-backs
Chelsea were unusually quiet in the January market when they were expected to make another splash to strengthen the squad. One of the positions they wanted to bring a player in was the left-back role following the massive problems they had faced there.
Levi Colwill started there for a significant part of the campaign, covering for the injured duo of Marc Cucurella and Ben Chilwell. Some names were discussed around January, but FFP concerns may have kept Chelsea’s hands tied in the window.
Rayan Ait-Nouri was one of the names on Chelsea’s radar, and they had made a move then. Wolves would have blocked it, considering how important he is for their team. In any case, links with the left-back have re-emerged alongside Brest full-back Bradley Locko in recent weeks.
Locko was also a target for West Ham earlier, and the Brest star could be on the move in the summer. Chelsea were linked with the left back, although Fabrizio Romano has claimed he has no knowledge of the links to those two left-backs, and seemed to dismiss those rumours.
Romano said, “As recently reported, Chelsea are keen to explore the left-backs market for the summer transfer window, most likely for a top young talent in that position, and so it’s inevitable that we’re going to be hearing a lot of names linked with the Blues in the weeks ahead,”
“I’ve seen some reports about the likes of Rayan Ait-Nouri at Wolves and also talented young Brest left-back Bradley Locko, but it’s still early to know specific names, as far as I understand.”
“It is true that Chelsea are looking for left-backs, but we’re going to hear a lot of names and I don’t like to add too much speculation, just report the facts, so let’s see what they decide as it’s still only the early stage of discussions and I’m not aware of a preferred player that they’re targeting for that role as of yet.”
Chelsea are planning on signing a new left-back
As the summer transfer window approaches, Chelsea’s plans will become more apparent as they plan to change the left-back slot. The Blues could sell Cucurella for the right offer, while Ian Maatsen could also leave.
Now, like Romano insisted, there is no clear information on who the new players might be, which is true to its sense right now. As the summer window gets closer, some concrete links could establish connections with targets for Chelsea, as they will undoubtedly sign one left back at the very least, with Chilwell likely to remain part of their plans.
