Chelsea have set their sights on solidifying their backline with the impending arrival of Spanish center-back Aitor Paredes from Athletic Bilbao. The Blues are reportedly close to finalizing a £20 million deal for the 23-year-old defender, a move that could address a glaring weakness in their squad.
Parades has earned a reputation as a rising star in La Liga, impressing with his athleticism, aerial prowess, and composure on the ball. Standing at 6’1″, he is a dominant presence in the air, winning an impressive 70% of his aerial duels in the league last season. His strength and tackling ability make him a formidable barrier for opposition attackers, while his surprisingly agile movement belies his size.
Beyond his physical attributes, Paredes possesses a calm and calculated demeanor on the pitch, rarely caught out of position and always aware of his surroundings. He is comfortable stepping out of defense to initiate play, often playing precise long balls to initiate counter-attacks or build possession from the back.
Chelsea’s interest in Paredes stems from their defensive struggles throughout the season. With injuries to key players like Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile, the Blues have lacked both depth and consistency at the back. Thiago Silva, despite his immense experience, is nearing the twilight of his career, and the search for a long-term solution has become a priority.
Paredes‘ arrival is expected to address these concerns. He offers immediate cover for the injured defenders and presents a long-term option to partner with Trevoh Chalobah or another emerging talent. His ability to play in a back three or a back four adds further tactical flexibility to Mauricio Pochettino’s options.
However, some question marks remain. Paredes, while promising, lacks experience at the highest level, having never played in the Champions League or for a team competing for major trophies. The £20 million price tag for a relatively untested player could also raise eyebrows in some quarters.
Nevertheless, Chelsea’s faith in Paredes’ potential is evident. His arrival signifies their commitment to building a young and hungry core capable of challenging for Premier League and European honors in the years to come. He will face fierce competition for a starting spot, but his talent and ambition, coupled with Chelsea’s nurturing environment, could see him blossom into a world-class defender.
Whether Paredes fulfills his potential and thrives at Stamford Bridge remains to be seen. But one thing is for sure: Chelsea’s acquisition of the young Spaniard signals their intent to build a formidable backline for the future, laying the foundation for sustained success on the pitch.
