Chelsea shirt numbers free for Fernandez, Badiashile and Fofana

Chelsea V Bournemouth in pictures

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Chelsea have their eyes set on signing World Cup star Enzo Fernandez from Benfica in the January transfer window, amongst others. The Blues are close to striking a deal to sign Monaco star Benoit Badiashile, having already reached a pre-agreement with Molde for David Datro Fofana – but what numbers will they wear?

With a busy January planned, new signings will be scratching their heads and pondering how they are going to be able to squeeze into the changing room. Major investment was promised to Graham Potter upon his move from Brighton at the start of the season, and now is the time for Todd Boehly to prove that he is a man of his word.

Potter is desperate to strengthen his entire squad; adding fresh legs to his defensive ranks, improving his midfield and bringing in a clinical striker. Low squad numbers are scarce for new arrivals, but what is available? Express Sport takes a look…

No 2

Following the departure of Antonio Rudiger over the summer, the No 2 has remained absent since. Badiashile has worn the No 5 for the past few seasons at Monaco, though he may be forced into a lower number, potentially until the summer at least which could see Jorginho depart and the Frenchman regain his usual number.

No 4

If Badiashile is not a fan of going for the No 2 – traditionally associated with right-backs rather than left-sided defenders – then the No 4 could be ideal. Andreas Christensen vacated the number over the summer when he left Chelsea for Barcelona. Of course, it is not unimaginable for Fernandez to push to take the No 4, especially considering the success that Cesc Fabregas enjoyed at Stamford Bridge with it on his back.

No 11

Another newly vacant squad number is 11, which was worn by Timo Werner prior to his return to RB Leipzig. Although Fofana was a signing made with the future in mind, he appears to be the likeliest of the aforementioned trio to take the number.

No 15

Worn by Badiashile at Monaco during the 2020/21 season, the No 15 is vacant at Chelsea. It would be no great shock for Fernandez to throw his name into the ring for the number either, given his preference for 13 previously, though the next number available may be more fitting…

No 25

Fernandez rose to fame at the Qatar World Cup with Argentina whilst donning the No 25. The 21-year-old ran the show in the centre of the park alongside Atletico Madrid star Rodrigo De Paul and Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister, impressing with his ability in both halves of the pitch. The No 25 may prove a lucky charm for Fernandez and it would be fitting for the playmaker to retain it upon arrival at Chelsea.

No 27

The No 27 has not been worn by a Blues star since 2019, though it is far from retired and certainly up for grabs for new signings. If Fofana is set to remain on the fringes of Potter’s side then he could be a candidate for the number, or it could be reserved for a different young signing – such as Andrey Santos.

Others available: 31, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40

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