Chelsea are interested in signing Southampton and England right-back Kyle Walker-Peters, according to Fabrizio Romano. The 25-year-old had been linked with Manchester United, Arsenal and Ajax earlier in the window, but now looks set to move to Stamford Bridge.
Excl: Chelsea are considering many options for right-back position, to be discussed after Cucurella. Kyle Walker-Peters, one of the options alongside Denzel Dumfries 🚨🔵 #CFC
Dumfries top of the list but Inter want to keep him, still no bid.
Walker-Peters, discussed internally. pic.twitter.com/CcuOm33C1C— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 2, 2022
Manchester United Target Kyle Walker-Peters Looks Set for Chelsea
Chelsea Strengthen Defensive Line
Chelsea have already been busy this window, with new arrivals. Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling signed for £50 million, Kalidou Koulibaly joined from Napoli and young goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina signed from Chicago Fire. More recently, the Blues have reportedly added Marc Cucurella from Brighton.
And they show no signs of slowing down. Aston Villa prospect Carney Chukwuemeka is expected to be announced soon while rumours about Frenkie de Jong continue.
But after the departures of Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger in the summer, defensive reinforcements are the top priority in West London. Earlier discussions for Denzel Dumfries proved unsuccessful. Inter Milan are said to want at least £40 million for the Dutchman as they don’t intend to sell.
Kyle Walker-Peters Next Target
With the Dumfries deal looking unlikely, Chelsea have set their sights on Southampton defender, Kyle Walker-Peters. The staff at Stamford Bridge see him as an ideal alternative.
But he may not come cheap. Amidst continued interest, the Saints are said to have put a £40 million price tag on the defender.
The ex-Tottenham star has enjoyed a fruitful spell on the south coast, making 82 appearances since January 2020. Walker-Peters is best known for his explosive pace, but his astute defensive ability and calmness on the ball make him a well-rounded option.
He’s also able to play at left back, making him a useful option from either side of the defence. Last season, he made 23 appearances from left back, as Southampton youngster Tino Livramento burst into the first team.
That utility on both flanks could be crucial to him getting game time at Chelsea. Reece James will be hard to dethrone at right back, but being available on either side could see him pick up more minutes in rotation or from the bench.
