Chelsea in a transfer battle with arch-rivals and Manchester United for English full-back

Kyle Walker-Peters transfer war pits Chelsea against Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur

Chelsea have expressed interest in another right-back, this time from Southampton, but face competitors in Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.

The right-back is Antonio Conte’s ideal replacement for Emerson Royal, according to pundit Alex Crook on TalkSports (h/t Football.London), but it won’t be simple because United and The Blues are also in the race.

Following Reece James’ injury setback, Chelsea have shown desire in a number of right-backs, from Matty Cash to Pedro Porro, and the 25-year-old player stands out as a new candidate.

The West Londoners are looking for the best possible backup for James, who has been injured for the duration of this season. They are considering signing Southampton’s Walker-Peters as well as Cash from Aston Villa and Porro from Sporting CP.

Given that he has experience in the league, he could serve as James’ backup if the Blues are able to sign him. Walker-Peters has made 14 Premier League starts for the Saints this season; if he joins the Blues, he would want to push for regular playing time.

Walker-Peters to Chelsea?

Since Southampton are themselves in a relegation battle, it could be hard to prise him from their hands. He is, after all, one of their most trusted starters right now.

And If the Saints are demoted to the Championship, then hopefully, the English right-back has the urge to return to the top flight. So, missing out on him this January doesn’t mean we can’t try again for him later.

Chelsea are now up against competition from United and Tottenham but missing out on Walker-Peters won’t be the end of the world. As mentioned above, the Blues have other options to consider in this position as well.

And even if Walker-Peters chooses United over Chelsea and Tottenham, it could be difficult for him to play regularly since Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Diogo Dalot are currently on their books.

Meanwhile, at Tottenham, the scenario is the same because they have Emerson Royal, Djed Spence and Matt Doherty and there also he could have trouble getting playing time in that situation. In this regard, James would be the only real competition for him at Chelsea.

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

The supporters wouldn’t want an injury-prone player, and the 25-year-old seems to have picked up fewer injuries in the previous season, playing 37 games in all competitions.