Chelsea could enter the transfer market in the summer for a new left-back.
It has been a problem position for Mauricio Pochettino this season, with both Ben Chilwell and Marc Cucurella having picked up injuries.
One name that they are currently being linked with is Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez, who has been a key player for Andoni Iraola in the current campaign.
The 20-year-old has made 26 appearances in all competitions under the Spaniard.
Chelsea are also reported to be interested in Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies, with the Canada international yet to sign a new contract at the Allianz Arena.
Milos Kerkez’s camp excited by Chelsea interest
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Kerkez’s camp are buzzing over the fact that Chelsea and other clubs are circling the defender.
Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jacobs said: “I’m told that Kerkez is being scouted, not that that means a great deal, but scouted by Chelsea and also Manchester United. I think Chelsea could be one to watch, even though Chelsea sources are still quite coy, other than indicating that they would be looking for a left-sided fullback, and Kerkez ticks that box and is a very promising talent.
“Let’s see whether the summer is too soon, because he hasn’t been at Bournemouth for long. But one thing’s for sure, even though Chelsea are quite coy on their left-sided targets, the Kerkez side are quite excited by the amount of clubs that are circling.
“I think that both Manchester United and Chelsea, whether it’s this summer or beyond, could be one to watch for Kerkez.”
Chelsea also interested in Rayan Ait-Nouri
Kerkez does not appear to be the only Premier League left-back that Chelsea are looking at at this moment in time.
Journalist Simon Phillips claimed last week that the Blues’ also have Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Rayan Ait-Nouri on their shortlist.
Ait-Nouri would probably be a smarter signing than Kerkez, with the 22-year-old having a bit more Premier League experience than the Bournemouth man.
In terms of what he could bring to Stamford Bridge, Ait-Nouri is not bad at carrying the ball, completing 1.9 dribbles per game this season. Only Matheus Cunha (2.2) has recored a higher average in Gary O’Neil’s squad (WhoScored).
Whether it is Kerkez, Ait-Nouri or someone else, Chelsea would be wise to sign a new left-back this summer. It is a position that they have simply had too many issues with for a while now.