Amidst the left-back injury crisis, Chelsea are actively exploring options to reinforce their squad during the January window.
Ben Chilwell’s recent return from a lengthy layoff provides some relief, but with Marc Cucurella facing a prolonged absence due to an ankle injury and other makeshift solutions proving temporary, Chelsea are reportedly eyeing Manchester United’s Luke Shaw.
Journalist Simon Phillips, as relayed by The Daily Express, revealed that Chelsea have shortlisted Shaw as a potential target.
The club’s decision-makers have engaged in internal discussions regarding a January move, emphasizing their preference for Premier League-proven players.
With nearly 250 league games and years of consistency, Shaw is a seasoned and dependable choice.
Manchester United, currently under pressure to comply with Financial Fair Play rules, might be open to a sale. Chelsea’s pursuit of Shaw gains significance considering United’s decision to cancel Sergio Reguilon’s loan and Tyrell Malacia’s ongoing unavailability.
Shaw’s potential move to Chelsea raises interesting points. Despite Chelsea’s significant investment since Boehly’s takeover, the club finished 12th last season and is on course for another mid-table finish this year.
Is Luke Shaw a viable option for Chelsea?
The pursuit of proven Premier League performers aligns with a strategic shift, as evidenced by Shaw’s inclusion in a shortlist of five possible targets.
While a move for Shaw might seem like a sideways step from outside, it could appeal to the player himself.
Shaw, who revealed his Chelsea fandom in 2013, has previously expressed admiration for former Blues full-back Ashley Cole.
The prospect of joining the club he supported in his youth might influence his decision.
Pundit Dean Ashton has praised Shaw as an “incredible athlete” known for being “very difficult” to beat in one-on-one situations.
Statistical data supports Shaw’s defensive prowess. It places him in the 87th percentile among full-backs in similar leagues for the percentage of dribblers tackled.
However, concerns are raised about the wisdom of signing Shaw amidst his injury struggles. The Englishman has missed a considerable number of matches since joining Manchester United, with a notable portion attributed to a broken leg.
Chelsea must carefully weigh the potential benefits of Shaw’s experience against the risk of further injury setbacks.
As the January transfer window progresses, all eyes will be on Stamford Bridge to see whether Chelsea manages to secure Luke Shaw’s services and strengthen their left-back options for the remainder of the season.
For more sports related updates, follow us on twitter.
