da bet esporte： Chelsea kicked off the year in the most Chelsea way imaginable: firing their manager.

da aviator aposta： Enzo Maresca’s departure was announced on New Year’s Day, and within a week, Liam Rosenior was announced as his permanent replacement.

The former Strasbourg manager might be a relative unknown to most Premier League fans, but he made quite an impression in France, winning 32 of his 63 games in the dugout, drawing 14 and losing just 17.

However, managing in the toughest league in the world is something else entirely, but Chelsea can help him get off to the best start possible by making some signings this month, and if reports are to be believed, the manager has already identified someone who could be the club’s next Reece James.

Rosenior wants Chelsea's next James

It’s been a campaign of mixed performances for Chelsea’s squad so far this season, with the likes of Jamie Gittens and Tosin Adarabioyo underwhelming, while Moises Caicedo and Estevao have impressed.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

However, when it comes to picking out the club’s best player so far, it can only be one man: James.

The right-back-turned-midfielder has been immense in all phases of play, and in games against Arsenal and Manchester City, was the best player on the pitch.

It’s therefore hardly a surprise that new boss Rosenior is keen for the club to bring in another international star not too dissimilar to his captain.

At least that is according to a recent report from Spain, which claims the manager has already identified Trent Alexander-Arnold as one of his top targets for this month.

The report has revealed that the new boss sees the Englishman as the perfect signing for the right-back position and would like to sign him on a short-term loan with an option to buy.

Interestingly, Real are not opposed to shipping the former Liverpool player off, but wouldn’t want to loan him out; they would rather do so for a fee of at least €40m, which is about £35m.

It would be a hugely shocking transfer, but given Trent’s sensational ability, one that Chelsea should go all out for, especially as he could be another James-esque signing.

Why Trent could be Chelsea's new James

The first similarity between James and Trent, and one of the main reasons Chelsea should be looking to get this deal done, is that the Real Madrid star is an offensive monster.

Now, the Blues captain is also a defensive powerhouse, but at their best, the two full-backs are excellent attacking weapons.

For example, during his time on Merseyside, the former Premier League winner was a crucial cog in Liverpool’s attack, whether it was his crosses from deep or his ability to play utterly sublime long balls for the likes of Mo Salah to get on the end of.

Moreover, beyond passing the eye test, his underlying numbers showed he was one of the most creative players in the league.

According to FBref, he ranked in the top 1% of full-backs for progressive passes, expected assisted goals, passes into the final third, through balls and more, all per 90.

Trent’s Scout Report

Statistics

Per 90

Percentile

xAG: Exp. Assisted Goals

0.28

Top 1%

Progressive Passes

8.83

Top 1%

Progressive Passing Distance

432.42

Top 1%

Passes Completed (Long)

7.73

Top 1%

Passes into Final Third

7.88

Top 1%

Passes into Penalty Area

2.47

Top 1%

Through Balls

0.46

Top 1%

Switches

1.22

Top 1%

Shots Total

1.71

Top 2%

Crosses into Penalty Area

0.76

Top 3%

Crosses

5.82

Top 3%

Shot-Creating Actions

3.73

Top 3%

Key Passes

1.98

Top 5%

All Stats via FBref

In fact, the Englishman’s chance-creating abilities have only become more apparent this season as Arne Slot’s side look far less dangerous without him.

Subscribe to our newsletter for top transfer insights Join the newsletter to get deeper transfer analysis and tactical breakdowns that unpack links like a potential Trent Alexander-Arnold move and clarify how signings would reshape Chelsea’s midfield and full-back options.

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Another similarity between the two Englishmen is that they’ve shown an ability to play in different roles.

The Blues captain might be more versatile, but the “generational” Madrid star, as dubbed by content creator Asim Mahmood, has also played in the middle of the park on occasion for club and country.

Therefore, there is no reason to think he couldn’t be a tempo controller from the base of midfield once again.

Finally, both players are full England internationals, and there is every chance that both end up going to the World Cup in the summer.

Ultimately, it would be a hugely surprising deal, but with how much of a game-changer Trent can be, Chelsea should do everything in their power to bring him to Stamford Bridge this month.

Chelsea making 'serious' £65m bid for Barcelona star to back Liam Rosenior

The Blues want to make a statement this window.

ByEmilio Galantini