Sports
Chelsea have made contact to sign “world-class” top target
Enzo Maresca is currently enduring a tricky period as Chelsea boss, with his side suffering somewhat of a decline in form over the last couple of weeks across all competitions.
The Blues are currently enduring a run of four games without a win, with three of which coming in the Premier League – resulting in a drop in the current standings.
After the last three matches, the Italian’s side have now dropped from second in England’s top-flight, down to fifth and now sit eight points off leaders Arsenal.
However, Maresca will have the chance to strengthen his squad in the upcoming January transfer window, potentially kickstarting any chance of securing the title.
Even though the window is a few weeks away, the hierarchy have already wasted no time in targeting numerous players to try and strengthen the squad in key areas.
Chelsea’s transfer targets ahead of the January window
Over the last couple of weeks, Chelsea have been just one of the Premier League clubs touted with a potential winter move to land RB Leipzig Castello Lukeba.
It’s been reported that the Frenchman could be available for a fee in the region of £52m this winter, but the Bundesliga side are currently unwilling to offload the youngster.
The 22-year-old is a left-footed centre-back, something which is a huge selling point to the hierarchy amid the absence of Levi Colwill this season.
However, he’s not the only target currently on their radar, with Barcelona central midfielder Marc Casado another option being considered by the Blues board.
According to one Spanish outlet, Maresca’s men have already made contact with the LaLiga outfit over a potential move this winter, but it’s unclear if they would sanction a move.
It also states that the Spaniard is seen as one of the club’s targets for the upcoming window, with the youngster seen as an excellent option to bolster the options in midfield.
Why Chelsea’s latest target would be Caicedo 2.0
Spending big money on a midfielder isn’t alien to Chelsea, with the club previously spending a then English-record transfer fee on the signature of Moises Caicedo.
The Ecuadorian international cost a reported £115m from Brighton & Hove Albion in the summer of 2023, with the 24-year-old making himself a fan-favourite in the process.
He’s already racked up 117 appearances for the Blues to date, starring at both ends of the pitch – as seen by his tally of seven goals including a screamer against Liverpool this season.
However, his disciplinary record has held him back at times, as seen against Arsenal last month, when he received a straight red card for a reckless tackle on Mikel Merino.
There’s no denying that Caicedo remains as one of Maresca’s most important players, but the club could be about to land their next version of the midfielder this January with a move for Casado.
The 22-year-old has made 11 appearances in LaLiga so far this campaign, subsequently producing numerous incredible figures and leading one analyst labelling him “world-class”.
When comparing his stats to those of Caicedo in the last few months, the Barca star has managed to outperform him in multiple key areas – subsequently showcasing his incredible talents.
Casado has dominated the Blues star in possession so far this campaign, as seen by his better pass completion far and more passes completed into the final third per 90.
Such numbers could make him yet another ball-playing option for the manager, which could help them get out of the current slump they find themselves in.
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How Casado & Caicedo compare in 2025/26 |
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|---|---|---|
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Statistics (per 90) |
Casado |
Caicedo |
|
Games played |
11 |
12 |
|
Minutes played |
534 |
982 |
|
Passes completed |
92% |
90% |
|
Key passes |
1.4 |
0.5 |
|
Passes into final third |
6.1 |
5.4 |
|
Blocks made |
2.1 |
1.1 |
|
Clearances made |
1.8 |
1.1 |
|
Progressive carries |
1.2 |
0.8 |
|
Take-on success |
50% |
31% |
|
Aerials won |
60% |
38% |
|
Stats via FBref |
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His talent with the ball at his feet is further reflected in his tally of more take-ons completed, whilst also completing more progressive carries per 90, which could help the Blues create more chances.
However, with the ball, Casado has been just as impressive, subsequently achieving more blocks and clearances per 90 than the £115m man in 2025/26.
It’s currently unclear if the Barca star would want to make the move to England, but it’s evident he would offer Chelsea a top-level player in their hunt for added success.
The prospect of the Spaniard operating alongside Caicedo is one for the fans to get excited about, with such a partnership potentially operating together for many years to come.
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