Chelsea is said to be ready to take a step to replace Levi Colwill, after the International had suffered a devastating ACL injury in England.
The 22-year-old defender, fresh of a breakthrough season in which he made 43 performances in all competitions, suffered the injury during the first training session of the blues in the preseason.
Colwill has since undergone successful operation and started his rehabilitation, but his absence leaves a huge gap in the defensive options of Enzo Maresca.
Chelsea has indeed set their sights on Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo, according to Local Outlet Football Espana.
It is believed that Chelsea would be willing to pay £ 43 million for the 26-year-old Uruguay International.
There is hope at Stamford Bridge that this compensation would be sufficient to get a deal over the line, in the light of the precarious financial situation of Barcelona.
The 6FT 2in Center Back is a supporting pillar in the Nou -Camp since his arrival of Boston River in 2018, making 175 performances for the Catalan giants and two La Liga titles win.
ARAUJO wrote a long -term contract extension in January until 2031, but the financial limitations of Barcelona can force them to listen to offers.
Daily Mail Sport understands that Chelsea is still considering whether they should definitely take a step for a central defender this month.
Josh Acheampong was used on Friday as the left -sided center back in their friendly against Bayer Leverkusen.
It is an important position under Maresca, because that player is expected to break when the left rear turns to midfield. ACEAMPONG, 19, performed well, with Aaron Anselmino, 20, who has him replaced.
Jorrel Hato can also be used as a left -sided middle back, as well as a left power, where the £ 37 million signing of Ajax was played on Friday after replacing Cucurella during the break.