Chelsea are one of the clubs that are keenly monitoring Sporting Lisbon right-back Ivan Fresinda according to reports.
The 21-year-old has come through the ranks at Real Valladolid and has really impressed since moving to Sporting in 2023.
Chelsea have a good stock in the full-back positions, with Mark Cucurella and Jurel Hato at left-back, and Reece James and Malo Giusto at right-back.
Chelsea are monitoring Ivan Fresinda
However, Chelsea are always looking to sign the best young talent, whether for themselves or for sister club Strasbourg.
Signing the best young talent has formed a major part of Chelsea’s transfer policy under the ownership of Todd Buhle and Clearlake Capital.
Now it seems they have set their eyes on another talent, with the journalist Dean Jones reports Both Blues and City are interested in Fresinda.
Fresinda, who has previously been linked with Chelsea, has made 13 appearances in all competitions for Sporting this season, but the chances of the Blues signing another right-back in the future appear slim.
James and Giusto have been tied up for several years, and in that duo Chelsea have two of the best right-backs in the league.
The captain appears to have put his injury problems behind him and has not suffered any injuries since his return in January, while Maresca has now confirmed he is ready to play three games a week.
Chelsea are looking to make a bid to extend Malo Gusto’s contract
With James going from strength to strength, there are reports that the Blues are looking to extend Gusto’s contract.
Gusto has proven to be a capable deputy to James, and has particularly impressed in his first season under Mauricio Pochettino.
The French international did not have his best season last season, but at the beginning of this season he showed glimpses of his best levels.
Giusto was deployed in midfield against Liverpool where he performed well, and with injuries to Romeo Lavia and Dario Esugu, he could find himself there again in future matches.