Transfer News: Chelsea earmark Spanish star as a priority January signing

Chelsea are keen to trump Tottenham Hotspur to Pedro Porro

Following the successful acquisition of Mykhailo Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk, Chelsea are looking to make more signings in the ongoing January transfer window.

According to journalist Simon Phillips (h/t Football.London), Chelsea wants to bolster their porous defence and sign Pedro Porro before the January transfer window slams shut. Clearly, Todd Boehly is keen to bolster the roster ahead of the second half of the season.

Chelsea’s right-back position has been called into doubt by Reece James’ injuries and Cesar Azpilicueta’s decline. As a result, the club is now looking to bring in another fullback, with Porro emerging as their top choice despite competition from Tottenham Hotspur.

Spurs are also pressing for the 23-year-old who has consented to the transfer, as reported by the Mirror. All that is left is an agreement to be reached between Sporting CP and Tottenham. Additionally and perhaps crucially, the North Londoners have not yet exercised Porro’s release clause.

Porro has a £40 million release clause, and Chelsea could blow their rivals out of the water by meeting the price. The Blues have already shown with Christopher Nkunku and Mudryk that money is not an issue for the right player.

It makes sense that Chelsea want to sign the right-back because they believe the 23-year-old can fill the position and is the Blues’ current top priority. Porro has been outstanding for Sporting CP, contributing five assists and scoring once in 13 appearances in the league. If Chelsea are successful in signing the player, they will add depth and quality to the right back slot.

A well rounded player, Porro will not just back up James but also compete with the Englishman on a similar footing. Healthy competition for slots could aid both James and Chelsea as a whole as they continue to rebuild under new management.

More Chelsea News:

• Chelsea will make a decision on the future of David Datro Fofana in the second half of January
• Pep Guardiola urges Chelsea owner Todd Boehly to give Graham Potter time
• Chelsea target Wilfried Zaha could only leave Crystal Palace in the summer

Porro is no stranger to life in England, having spent three years at Manchester City from 2019-2022. While the stint did not achieve much in terms of playtime, he will now be returning to English shores a much improved player. It remains to be seen if Chelsea will be the team to reap the benefits of his evolution.