The Chelsea defence has been a worry for the club in recent times. Levi Colwill’s ACL injury saw him miss the majority of the campaign. And in his absence, it became quite evident that the Blues did not have another standout centre-back. Right-back has been an area worth considering strengthening as well. Reece James continues to be load-managed. And Malo Gusto has regressed since a phenomenal debut season under Mauricio Pochettino.
So, one would hope that Chelsea end up strengthening their ranks at the back this summer. What if they signed someone capable of playing both centre-back and right-back with equal ease?
Atletico Madrid have recently been linked with a move for Marc Cucurella, who could be eyeing a return to Spain. On the other hand, it appears that Chelsea are interested in one Diego Simeone’s starters.
According to CaughtOffside, Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea are interested in Marc Pubill of Atletico Madrid. PSG and Barcelona have also been monitoring the Spanish defender.
Who is Marc Pubill?
Pubill joined Atletico Madrid last summer from Almeria. And to be honest, he did not make a bright start, spending a good portion of the first half of the season warming the bench.
Pubill would get into the starting XI in the second half of the campaign though. And he has done well enough to keep his place firmly in Simeone’s plans.
He played 2775 minutes of football in total. Now, the 22-year-old is already drawing the interest of some of Europe’s best clubs.
Of course, if there is one thing we have learned from the Julian Alvarez to Barcelona saga recently, it is that Atletico Madrid want to get full transfer value for their players. So, it remains to be seen whether Chelsea end up making a serious move for Pubill or not.
Why Pubill could be a good signing for Chelsea
Pubill is 22 years of age and starting for Atletico Madrid. If you can make a place for yourself in Simeone’s plans, you can defend, that is pretty much a given. When it comes to the defensive side of the game, he has had arguably the best education in world football this season.
Then there is his versatility that we already hinted at. Pubill started the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Arsenal as a centre-back. He then made a start in the second leg as a right-back.
That just goes to show how easily he can play in both positions, even when it is the highest level of football. Chelsea could do with someone like that.
Obviously, it will depend on what kind of a transfer fee Atletico Madrid are looking for. If they are even open to his exit this summer.
