Marquinhos To Join Chelsea In January? The Latest Development On CB Search

Chelsea have been joined by European giants Barcelona in the race to sign Paris Saint-Germain centre-back Marquinhos, as per Le 10 Sport, with reports claiming a bidding war is expected to be witnessed between both sides for the player in January.

Marquinhos, whose full name is Marcos Aoás Corrëa, was a subject of an interest from the Blues in the summer as their move for Everton defender John Stones fell through. But PSG opted not to sell the Brazil-born centre-half as there was not enough time to scour for a replacement.

Both Chelsea and Barca have conceded too many goals this season, which is uncharacteristic of them and they are now looking to plug the leaky holes in their defence with the signing of Marquinhos. The Blues have conceded 17 goals already this term and currently find themselves mired in 16th place in the Premier League table, while the Catalan giants are in 4th place on the log in La Liga, having conceded nine goals in seven league outings.

It is also claimed that Marquinhos, 21, is frustrated by a lack of enough game time at the Parc des Princes with boss of PSG preferring the partnership of David Luiz and Thiago Silva ahead of Marquinhos.

And Marquinhos knows a chance to play regularly at Chelsea will help him continue boosting his career, as the Blues’ captain John Terry could soon be calling time on his career. Reports have also claimed boss Jose Mourinho has pinpointed Marquinhos as Kurt Zouma’s future partner in central defence, with a move for Stones unlikely to happen.

Should Chelsea succeed in signing Marquinhos, it will be a masterstroke for the west London club and a brilliant move for the player as well, as the Blues’ defensive fragilities could be solved and for the former Roma defender, a chance to enjoy enough game time will present itself.