Chelsea moving quickly to fix setback as Graham Potter looks to rival Man Utd for star man

Chelsea are hoping to fix an issue created by the injury of Reece James, as they have reportedly identified Denzel Dumfries as an ideal signing.

Chelsea have gotten back onto the right foot under Graham Potter. Indeed, the Blues are yet to lose a game since the former Brighton manager took charge.

His arrival followed a somewhat poor start to the season under Thomas Tuchel. Chelsea lost three games this term under the German – one of which a 3-0 drubbing at the hands of Leeds United.

As such, his time at the club came to an end after taking charge of just seven games this season.

While things are looking up under Potter, his tenure has not been without its own challenges. Injuries to defenders Wesley Fofana and James have both occurred in the past few weeks.

Naturally, that has weakened the stocks in the defence. Chelsea reported that James would be out of action for around eight weeks.

That means the earliest estimated time of his return would be December. However, should he face any setbacks, he could be out for a longer period than that.

As such, Chelsea already have plans in place to deal with that setback. InterLive reports that the Blues have their eye on Inter Milan wing-back Dumfries.

An approach for the Dutchman could come as soon as January, so that they could deal without James, should he still be out by then.

Chelsea face Man Utd Dumfries battle

Manchester United have also recently been linked with the snare of the Inter man. As such, Chelsea may have to battle with their Premier League rivals for his signature.

The new report cites the relationship between Inter and Chelsea as a positive for the Blues. Indeed, there have been recent deals between the clubs involving Romelu Lukaku and Cesare Casadei.

As such, Potter’s side may immediately have the upper hand.

However, it seems that Inter do not want to see Dumfries leave in January, so Chelsea’s plan may be out of the window. The wing-back has been in good form this season, contributing to four goals as well as five clean sheets in 14 games so far.

That is not to say that Chelsea will not attempt the signing, though.

Chelsea could return down the line

If they cannot get it done in January, they may return in the summer, when Inter may be more open to selling. While that does not fit in with the plans for Dumfries to fill in for James, the pair could play together.

James has been known to play centre-back, and Dumfries can operate further up the pitch.

As such, the pair could well fit into the same side, and would not need to rotate, though that could also be an option.

What’s more, Cesar Azpilicueta’s role is already dwindling. The Spaniard has started just three league games this season, and is already 33 years of age.

In a year or so, he may have an even lesser role in the Chelsea side, and having more depth in the position would be ideal for Chelsea.