Chelsea emerge as contenders for emerging Athletic Club star

Chelsea line up January transfer for Athletic Bilbao defender Aitor Paredes

Chelsea Football Club are actively seeking defensive reinforcements to shore up a backline that has faced challenges in both form and fitness throughout the season. Athletic Bilbao’s Aitor Paredes has emerged as a prime target, drawing attention from the Blues’ scouting team after a series of impressive performances.

The defensive concerns at Stamford Bridge are evident, with key defenders Wesley Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah sidelined for the entire season due to injury. Additionally, Benoit Badiashile’s absence with muscle fatigue has left Chelsea grappling for clean sheets. Despite a failed attempt to secure Benfica’s Antonio Silva, Chelsea have swiftly redirected their focus to Aitor Paredes in their pursuit of defensive stability.

That is as per The Sun. Scouts from Chelsea have meticulously observed Paredes on seven occasions this season, including his standout performance in Athletic Bilbao’s 2-0 victory over Sevilla, where he contributed with a goal. A product of Athletic Club’s academy, the versatile 23-year-old has established himself as a defensive mainstay, impressing with his ability to distribute the ball from the back and showcasing a robust athletic profile.

Alongside playing as a central defender, he is a top-class right-back as well. Known for his strength and rapid recovery pace, Paredes’s playing style aligns with Chelsea’s vision for a modern, ball-playing defender. The 23-year-old’s performances have not gone unnoticed, with expectations of a call-up to the Spanish national team for the upcoming Euros. Chelsea value Paredes’s attributes and have engaged with Athletic Club’s board to determine a transfer fee.

Despite the Blues’ interest, Athletic Bilbao have been reluctant to set a definitive price for Paredes. Currently under contract until 2025 (Transfermarkt), the defender could be available for a reported fee of around £20m.

The negotiation process may intensify, especially considering interest from other European heavyweights. Real Madrid have already approached Paredes this month, and Inter Milan have also expressed interest in securing his services.

Chelsea’s urgency in pursuing Paredes remains further accentuated by the potential departures of two key defenders. Thiago Silva, aged 39, has been linked with a free transfer back to Fluminense, his former club where he began his illustrious career. Meanwhile, Trevoh Chalobah is a subject of interest from Bayern Munich, where he could reunite with former manager Thomas Tuchel.

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The negotiation dance with Athletic Bilbao and the competition from other European giants add intrigue to this unfolding transfer saga. Chelsea fans will be watching closely as the club navigates the complexities of securing a defensive gem to bolster their campaign and the coming ones on multiple fronts.