Chelsea are targeting Eveton’s Lucas Digne to replace Ben Chilwell, who has been sidelined for the remainder of the season. The England international picked up a knee injury, and it was expected that he could recover without surgery.

But now, Chelsea have made the decision to have his knee operated on so that he can recover fully. But with Marcos Alonso as the only player naturally a left-back in Thomas Tuchel’s squad, they will need a replacement.

Lucas Digne could be a temporary replacement for Chilwell

The French left-back has fallen out of favour with Rafa Benitez at Everton, and is almost certain to leave the club. The transfer away from Goodison Park could happen as soon as January.

Chelsea are considering Lucas Digne. There are suggestions Everton will demand £25 million to sign Digne permanently. A loan can’t be ruled out, although it would surely involve a hefty fee plus an expectation to pay most, if not all, of Digne’s wages.

– @TheAthleticUK pic.twitter.com/vzqSpIadlm
— Simon Phillips (@siphillipssport) December 29, 2021

Whether or not the move will be a loan deal or a permanent one is yet to be ascertained. However, Digne is also attracting interest from Newcastle United, Inter Milan and Napoli alongside Chelsea.

Everton have signed a replacement for him in the form of Vitaliy Mykolenko, and are prepared for his departure. Ross Barkley of Chelsea could also return to Goodison Park, in exchange for Digne, if rumours are to be believed. The attacking midfielder is also a target for Leeds United.

Chelsea are also looking at Ajax’s Nicolas Tagliafico as a potential target if they are unable to sign Digne. The Blues have had to deal with many injuries in recent weeks, with Andreas Christensen the latest to go down in their game against Brighton.