Chelsea target a new left-back

Chelsea received the news this morning that many were dreading. Left-back Ben Chilwell is set to be out for the rest of the season with an ACL injury sustained against Juventus.

The defender was thought not to need surgery, and was even targeting a January return.

However, the club have ultimately changed their mind, and the Englishman has now been sent to have surgery, ruling him out for the remainder of the season.

As a result, the Blues are expected to look for a new left-back in the upcoming January transfer window, with Everton’s Lucas Digne high on their wishlist.

As per the reliable Nizaar Kinsella:

The Blues could attempt to convince Everton to allow Lucas Digne out on a six-month loan deal after seeing him fall out of favour with Rafael Benitez. Currently, the France international is being offered out to various clubs ahead of a January move. 

With interest in the Frenchman high, could Ross Barkley be key?

How Ross Barkley could make the difference

One way that Chelsea could be in the driving seat for any potential deal for Lucas Digne is to capitalise on the potential interest from the Toffees in Ross Barkley.

As per the Telegraph:

Everton will consider Ross Barkley among their targets for January loan signings as Rafa Benitez looks to bolster his squad for the second half of the season.

Thomas Tuchel and co. could well use this to their advantage, using Barkley as leverage to perhaps engineer a situation where he and Digne swap clubs for the last six months of the season, helping both sides in the process.

Is it something that Chelsea should be doing, or do they need to keep hold of Barkley?

Read more:

Chelsea dealt massive injury blow as defender ruled out for the season

Is Jose Mourinho set to beat former club Manchester United to key transfer target?