Fraser Gillan of TEAMtalk revealed days ago that Chelsea have made contact with Kyle Walker-Peters over a January move. Manchester United and Arsenal are also showing interest in the 26-year-old who has impressed at Southampton this campaign.
Walker-Peters is expected to be back in the Premier League next season regardless of whether Southampton are promoted. It was a surprise he stayed with the Saints after their relegation, but they look set to return thanks to him. Whether they sell a key player mid-campaign remains to be seen.
Chelsea want to sign a fullback in January
Chelsea aren’t short of fullbacks with Ben Chilwell, Marc Cucurella, Reece James and Malo Gusto, but they’re short on luck.
Chilwell has made only nine appearances in all competitions this season due to a hamstring injury. Cucurella has missed 12 league games due to falling out of favour, getting suspended, and picking up an injury.
James missed seven league games at the start of the campaign due to a hamstring injury. He’s missed Chelsea’s last five after suffering a recurrence. Even Malo Gusto missed four league games between November and December 2023.
So the Blues could do with a player that can stay fit and potentially cover both sides in case of injury to others. Walker-Peters is strong on the left and right, so he ticks a lot of boxes.
Southampton don’t want to sell Walker-Peters
Walker-Peters told the Daily Echo in September 2023 that he made no effort to leave Southampton despite the interest. He also reiterated to The Sun in December that he was happy at St Mary’s.
Southampton’s relegation saw a mass exodus of talent over the summer. Romeo Lavia joined Chelsea, Tino Livramento joined Newcastle, James Ward-Prowse joined West Ham, and Nathan Tella joined Leverkusen. Walker-Peters had the chance to leave and didn’t take it, so Chelsea may be met with some resistance.
In other news, read how Chelsea beat Middlesbrough in the League Cup semi-final
