Chelsea are reportedly interested in Argentina right-back Nahuel Molina months after the defender rejected an offer to sign for Arsenal in the summer transfer window.
According to Marca, the west London side are eyeing the Atletico Madrid fullback following Molina’s impressive performances for Argentina at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, with the 24-year-old starting four of the South American giants’ five fixtures in the competition this year.
Scoring in Argentina’s recent 2-2 draw against the Netherlands, Molina has seen his stock rise considerably this winter, with Chelsea now interested in signing the defender as an alternative to Dutch international and Inter Milan star Denzel Dumfries.
With Atletico cash-strapped, a deal could well be on the cards for Chelsea in January, and a transfer would seemingly come as a blow for Arsenal, who as reported by Marca was subject to a £25m offer from the north London side over the summer, which was rejected by Udinese as the defender instead signed for Atletico.
Whilst Arsenal’s right-back options are more than solid following Ben White’s move into the position this season, Chelsea signing Molina would sting the Gunners given that it would be another target opting to join their west London rivals instead of a move to the Emirates Stadium.
Indeed, to add more salt in the wounds, the signing of Molina would be a move that will greatly improve Chelsea’s options in the fullback department, especially with Reece James out through injury and the Argentine also capable of playing out on the left.
Chelsea signing Molina could be a gamble from Potter
Signing a player off the back of a strong showing in a World Cup is a cursed tale we have seen time and time again in football, and Chelsea could be ready to make such a move in January for Molina, who could find himself out of his depth at Stamford Bridge.
After all, Chelsea are a club who in recent years who have done well to spend as much money as possible on a squad without actually improving it, and whilst Molina could be a cheap enough deal with Atletico looking to sell, the defender himself must be certain that a move to the Premier League is what he wants this January.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
