Why Chelsea should plot a January swoop for Benfica’s Ruben Dias

According to a report from Athletic (h/t Express), Chelsea may strengthen three positions during the January transfer window if transfer ban is lifted.

FIFA banned Chelsea from signing players last summer and in January after a probe into their recruitment of foreign players. The Blues have protested their innocence and appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, and if they are cleared of wrongdoing, Frank Lampard will be able to dip into the January transfer market.

The report adds that Lampard wants to improve three areas in his squad – central defence, the wing and the striker department. (h/t The Express)

Speaking about the defence, Chelsea have looked a bit shaky at the back this season. Antonio Rudiger’s continued absence due to injury has made a massive difference.

Kurt Zouma, who excelled on loan at Everton last season, hasn’t been at his best for the west Londoners and his inconsistent performance remains a concern for the Chelsea boss.

Meanwhile, Fikayo Tomori has performed admirably well in what is seemingly his breakthrough season at Stamford Bridge. He has quickly become a fan favourite.

But with Rudiger and Andreas Christensen out injured, Chelsea do lack depth in defence and an injury to either Zouma or Tomori would leave Lampard to go with the inexperienced Marc Guehi.

Thus, it makes absolute sense for Lampard to buy a central defender in January if the transfer ban gets lifted. Back in February, Portuguese outlet O Jogo (h/t Sun) had claimed that Chelsea sent scouts to watch Benfica defender Ruben Dias in the Lisbon derby against Sporting.

Ruben Dias, 22, has been impressive for Benfica in the last 12-15 months. He has risen through the ranks at Benfica and has played every minute of the club’s league games so far this season, whilst establishing himself as a first-choice defender for Portugal under Fernando Santos.

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Considering Chelsea are putting a lot of thought into developing young players, Dias could be a brilliant long-term investment.

Verdict

If a move is made, Dias, in all likelihood, should be considered as a potential starter at Stamford Bridge. The Portuguese could form an excellent partnership with Tomori, thus solving the Blues’ defensive woes.