Chelsea are interested in signing Youcel Atal from Nice this January, if they’re able to sign players.
CalcioMercato is the source of the rumours, conjuring the idea that the Blues and Valencia are the two teams most interested in the 23 year old within a singe sentence and leaving it there.
Despite the total lack of source or basis provided for the idea, it’s feasible. We’re always looking to strengthen with players in their early 20s who could be on the verge of a breakthrough.
But signing a player who is principally a right back would be a waste. It would block Reece James’ progress to the first team, and clog up a position where we already have an established veteran and a talented youngster fighting for minutes.
There are some positions – centre-back for example – where a January signing could actually instantly change our fortunes this season. As nice a player as Atal is, it might be a smarter plan to give this entire season over to developing the young players we’ve waited so long to see in action.
