Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are thought to have joined Chelsea in the race to sign VfB Stuttgart left-back Borna Sosa
According to Christian Falk of the BILD, Chelsea target Borna Sosa is now being pursued by bitter rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur. It is understood that the Blues had discussed the possibility of a transfer in January, but the North London clubs will also be vying for his services in the coming summer transfer window.
The 24-year-old defender has been raking up some impressive performances in the Bundesliga this season. Despite Vfb Stuttgart’s dismal run in German football’s top flight this season, the Croatian has been a dependable outlet and has been a constant menace on the left flank.
Sosa has already played 20 matches across all competitions for the German club this campaign and during that time, he has managed to bag two goals and record five assists. The Croatian international brings that dash of versatility to the pitch and can be deployed as a wing-back in a five-man backline as well as a full-back in a four-man defensive set-up.
Chelsea’s crisis at the back and how Borna Sosa could be a dependable outlet?
The Blues have had to soldier on despite covid issues and injury troubles this season. The Stamford Bridge outfit has had a huge blow to their attacking game down the wings with injuries to both first-choice wing-backs, Reece James and Ben Chilwell.
While James has shown great signs of recovery, Chilwell has been ruled out for the rest of the season with an ACL injury. The English duo has been a key part of Chelsea’s attack this season and their absence on the field has clearly affected the West Londoners.
Marcos Alonso has aptly filled in at left-back whenever required but the Spaniard is the only like-for-like replacement in that position at the moment. With the Blues competing in a host of competitions throughout the campaign, it would be too much to ask the 31-year-old to fill in regularly without providing him proper rest or having a suitable backup option ready.
The defending UEFA Champions League winners could have a useful long-term asset in the form of Sosa. At 24, it can be said that the Croatian still has some of his best footballing years ahead of him. The Blues will now have to face competitions from the Gunners and Spurs which could make the situation even trickier.
But James and Chilwell’s injuries have reminded the club what it could be like if they are out for a sustained period again later on in their careers. Alonso can only play at the top level for so long while Cesar Azpilicueta, who is out of contract this summer, isn’t as threatening down the wing as James has been.
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The fans would love it should the club be able to pull one up over its London rivals to secure the services of the Croation. But then again, signing players isn’t that easy and once Chilwell comes back, it remains to be seen what plans we have for Sosa if we do formalize our interest in him, that is.