Chelsea defensive concerns reinforced by Martin Caceres chase
The summer transfer window may be shut, but clubs can still sign free agents. Chelsea are looking to further strengthen their defence by approaching Martin Caceres.
As the summer transfer window inched towards Deadline Day, fans became increasingly worried about Chelsea’s defensive deficiencies. The Blues then signed Marcos Alonso and David Luiz on the final day of trading, somewhat allaying fears. However, the club is now targeting Martin Caceres in a sign that Antonio Conte is not happy with their summer deals.
The Express cites Italian sources in their report, claiming that Chelsea are looking to tempt the former Juventus man to Stamford Bridge.
Conte, who worked with Caceres during his time in charge of Juventus, has reportedly contacted the experienced centre-back to find out his condition.
Should this rumour be grounded, it only confirms that Chelsea’s summer business fell short of Conte’s expectations.
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The defence was a key area of concern for the Blues coming out of last season, but they failed to address the situation during the off-season. They then sparked into life on Transfer Deadline Day, bringing in two players.
No-one believes that Alonso and Luiz were anywhere near the top of the original target list and the news of a Caceres chase only confirms this.
If Chelsea had been efficient and ruthless in their pursuits of the likes of Kalidou Koulibaly and Alessio Romagnoli, they would probably be done and dusted by now. However, the acquisition of a centre-back with questionably defensive attributes leaves the club looking for another option.
Martin Caceres has been a free agent since leaving Juventus in the summer. He has reportedly held talks with a number of clubs including AC Milan, but he has thus far failed to reach an agreement.
TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 23: Martin Caceres of Juventus in action during the Serie A match between Juventus and Torino FC at Juventus Arena on February 23, 2014 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Having played under Antonio Conte during his time in charge of Juve, Chelsea may be in pole position to secure his signature.
At the age of 29, he is not a long-term investment, but he will certainly boost the side. Caceres has won numerous trophies both in Italy and in Spain, where he was part of the treble-winning Barcelona squad.
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His experience in world football would add an extra dimension to the team, while he should be a knowledge-bank for some of the younger players.
Furthermore, the fact that he is a free agent means that he will not carry any weight of a price tag. Caceres can be viewed as a prospect with no real downside.
This pursuit does again reinforce the severity of Chelsea’s defensive situation, but there is little reason to miss this opportunity as they seek to rectify it.