Chelsea Eyes January Move for Aston Villa’s Matty Cash Amid Defensive Woes

In the midst of a challenging season marred by injuries, Chelsea are reportedly setting their sights on bolstering their defensive ranks during the January transfer window by targeting Aston Villa’s Matty Cash. With captain Reece James sidelined for an anticipated four months due to a recurring hamstring problem, the Blues find themselves in need of reinforcements in the right-back position.

Currently, Mauricio Pochettino’s squad relies heavily on the 20-year-old Malo Gusto as the sole recognized right-back. Despite experimenting with makeshift options such as centre-back Axel Disasi and left-back Marc Cucurella on the right flank, the Blues are eager to secure a seasoned right-back to provide competition for Gusto in the second half of the campaign.

Chelsea keen on signing Matty Cash as a temporary replacement for Reece James

According to sources (90min), Chelsea have identified Aston Villa‘s Matty Cash as a prime target for the winter transfer window. The 26-year-old, who joined Villa in the summer of 2020 from Nottingham Forest for a reported £15 million, has amassed 122 appearances for the Lions in all competitions.

While Cash has recently experienced a temporary exclusion from the starting lineup under manager Unai Emery, his versatility has seen him play in various defensive positions. His one-match ban for the Boxing Day clash against Manchester United adds a layer of uncertainty to his future role within the team.

Despite potential interest from Chelsea, it is speculated that Cash could see his playing time reduced upon Reece James’s return to fitness later in the season.

Also Read: Aston Villa Considers Move for Timo Werner in January Transfer Window

Chelsea’s pursuit of defensive reinforcements extends beyond the right-back position, with reports suggesting a priority focus on securing a new centre-forward. Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Brentford’s Ivan Toney are believed to be among the top targets for the Blues in the upcoming transfer window.

As Chelsea prepares to navigate a critical juncture in the season, the potential addition of Matty Cash could provide much-needed depth and competition in their defensive lineup. The club’s ownership, known for significant spending in recent transfer windows, is expected to be proactive in addressing squad needs to maintain their title ambitions.