Chelsea Football Club is reportedly setting its sights on Athletic Club defender Aitor Paredes as a potential long-term replacement for the seasoned Thiago Silva. The Spanish outlet Fichajes has revealed that Chelsea is eager to reinforce its backline by acquiring the services of Aitor Paredes and is contemplating a substantial €20 million offer during the ongoing January transfer window.
Aitor Paredes has emerged as a key player for Athletic Club, stepping into a significant role following Inigo Martinez's departure to Barcelona last summer and Yeray Alvarez's struggles with injuries this season. The 23-year-old has not only solidified his place in Ernesto Valverde's side but has also played a pivotal role in their ascent to fourth place in the standings. His noteworthy contribution includes scoring his first senior goal against Sevilla, further elevating his stock in the footballing world. The prospect of a call-up to the Spanish national team now seems imminent for the talented defender.
The remarkable progress of Aitor Paredes over the past six months has caught the attention of major European clubs, and among them, Chelsea stands out as a prominent suitor. Chelsea's scouting team has diligently observed Paredes in action multiple times throughout the current campaign, emphasizing the club's keen interest in securing the services of the promising defender.
Chelsea's defensive struggles this season have been evident, with injuries impacting key players such as Wesley Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah. Benoit Badiashile has also faced fitness challenges, making a mere eight appearances across competitions. The Blues find themselves mid-table in the Premier League, having conceded 31 goals, prompting the club to actively seek defensive reinforcements.
What makes Aitor Paredes particularly appealing to Chelsea is his adeptness at distributing the ball from the back, coupled with a robust athletic profile and impressive recovery speed. As Thiago Silva approaches the conclusion of his tenure at Stamford Bridge next summer, Chelsea envisions Aitor Paredes as the natural successor to the experienced Brazilian at the heart of their defense.
In light of this, Chelsea is formulating a substantial €20 million offer to secure the services of Aitor Paredes, who remains under contract with Athletic Club until 2025. The club is strategically planning for the future, recognizing the importance of securing a talented and promising defender to fill the void that will be left by Thiago Silva's departure.
However, despite Chelsea's evident interest and meticulous scouting efforts, a degree of uncertainty lingers regarding Athletic Club's stance on a potential sale of Aitor Paredes in the midst of the season. Speculation suggests that any offer presented in the January transfer window might be promptly rebuffed by Athletic Club to safeguard their commendable campaign. Nevertheless, the dynamics surrounding Paredes' potential transfer could undergo a shift in the upcoming summer, providing a window of opportunity for Chelsea to solidify their defensive ranks for the seasons to come.
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