da 888： While they are still some way from being the finished article, Chelsea have built a squad full of incredible players over the last few years.
da betano casino： The likes of Moises Caicedo, Cole Palmer, Marc Cucurella, and probably even Enzo Fernández would be able to get into most Premier League teams.
However, at the same time, West Londoners also have more than a few players who are arguably holding them back, with Tosin Adarabioyo perhaps the most obvious example over the last few weeks.
The former Fulham star has been at the centre of more than a few dire defensive performances for Chelsea, so it’s not all that surprising to see reports linking them to someone who’d be a dream upgrade.
Chelsea target Tosin upgrade
While talk of a title race might be a tad premature for Chelsea this season, they are most certainly in a race for the Champions League place.
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With that in mind, it’s unsurprising to see them linked with a plethora of talented players ahead of the transfer window reopening next month.
For example, the Blues are among several Premier League sides who have shown real interest in RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande and have also been linked with Juventus’ Kenan Yıldız.
However, while hugely talented, neither of those exciting wingers would help solve the West Londoners’ defensive problems, nor send Tosin packing, unlike Castello Lukeba.
Yes, according to a recent report from TEAMtalk, Chelsea have maintained their intense interest in the French centre-back.
In fact, the report goes further, revealing that the Blues are now ready to submit a bid of up to £52m for the player in the coming weeks.
Interestingly, while the 22-year-old has a release clause worth around €80million in his contract, which is £70m, the report claims that Leipzig may be willing to cash in on the player for that £52m fee in January.
However, it might not be all that straightforward, as the story also states that Bayern Munich are keen to make a mid-season move for the highly rated defender.
In all, it could be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Lukeba’s ability and potential, one Chelsea should be pursuing, especially as he could send Tosin packing.
How Lukeba compares to Tosin
Now, when it comes to midfielders, forwards and wingers, it can be relatively straightforward to compare players, as more often than not, their goals and assists are going to be what matters most.
However, when it comes to defenders, and centre-backs in particular, it can be a little trickier, and as a result, you have to go into more detail, you have to take a look under the hood at their underlying numbers.
Unfortunately for Tosin, doing so demonstrates just how far ahead of him Lukeba is.
Lukeba vs Tosin
Statistics per 90
Lukeba
Tosin
Non-Penalty Expected G+As
0.10
0.02
Progressive Passes
4.17
2.90
Progressive Carries
0.83
0.48
Key Passes
0.33
0.00
Shot-Creating Actions
1.25
0.48
Goal-Creating Actions
0.17
0.00
Blocks
1.92
0.65
Interceptions
1.58
0.97
Clearances
5.67
6.77
Successful Take-Ons
1.00
0.00
Ball Recoveries
5.67
2.58
All Stats via FBref for the 25/26 League Season
For example, according to FBref, the Frenchman comes out on top in the vast majority of relevant metrics, including, but not limited to, blocks, interceptions, and ball recoveries, all per 90.
In other words, as analyst-turned-scout Ben Mattinson puts it, the Frenchman is a “defensively exceptional” centre-back.
However, his advantages over Tosin extend to more than just his ability off the ball.
For example, the “outstanding” titan, per Mattinson, also comes out on top in metrics like progressive passes and carries, shot and goal-creating actions, key passes, successful take-ons and more, all per 90.
Essentially, the Leipzig star is someone who can snuff out an opposition attack and then, either through his carrying ability or range of passing, kickstart one for his own side.
Ultimately, from every conceivable angle, it’s clear that Lukeba would be a massive upgrade on Tosin and, therefore, Chelsea should do all they can to sign him in January.
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