Chelsea are targeting a late window move for Bayer Leverkusen defender Jeremie Frimpong as they look to kill two birds with one stone, it has been reported.
The Blues are already without Reece James for several weeks thanks to another injury that the Englishman and Chelsea skipper picked up against Liverpool. It means that the right-back berth is being filled by January signing Malo Gusto, who impressed against Luton Town on Friday night.
Beyond the Brazilian, however, there is no recognised fullback in their squad, while Mauricio Pochettino’s side are also on the hunt for a right-sided attacker after seeing a move for Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise foiled by the south Londoners, and the Frenchman opting to pen a new deal at Selhurst Park.
In a bid to fill both positions, Fichajes report that the Blues have targeted ex-Celtic man Jeremie Frimpong, who plays on the right-side of a back three for Bayer Leverkusen and operates more as a winger than a fullback, though he is able to do both.
They claim that ‘Frimpong’s versatility makes him an attractive candidate to fill the gap left by James’ injuries’, while the Dutchman can also help provide cover and competition for Noni Madueke in a similar vein to Ben Chilwell’s newfound attacking position on the left.
The 22-year-old has enjoyed a strong start to the season, with a goal and an assist in his opening two Bundesliga outings. Valued at 40m euros by transfermarkt, it is thought that Leverkusen would be unwilling to part ways with him unless a massive offer came in, having already sold Moussa Diaby this summer to Aston Villa.
Mauricio Pochettino admitted that his side will still be active in the transfer window between now and Friday’s deadline, and Frimpong could be one to keep an eye on.
