Why Matt Targett would be a good back-up option for Chelsea

According to 90min.com (h/t Birmingham Mail), Chelsea are interested in Aston Villa’s left-back Matt Targett.

The Blues value him as a backup option in their troubled left-back position if they fail to land the likes of Leicester City’s Ben Chilwell or Porto’s Alex Telles. Chelsea are hopeful that they could land the full-back for a cut-price deal if nothing works out this summer. Meanwhile, the Blues are in dire need of some new reinforcements, especially at left-back next season.

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard wants to bring young and new faces into the squad, with the side’s left-backs Emerson Palmieri and Marcos Alonso not yet impressing the Englishman. Emerson, who was given a few chances earlier in the season, has failed to nail down a place within the side despite arriving at Chelsea in January 2018.

Emerson has played 14 times in the league this season but has not managed a goal or assist, which saw Lampard handing over the role on the left to their skipper and seasoned campaigner Cesar Azpilicueta.

Meanwhile, Alonso, who was snubbed earlier in the season, made a good comeback after the winter break, scoring three of his four league goals this season. However, inconsistency has seen him lose his place in the side.

Meanwhile, 24-year-old Targett has established his place as a regular in Dean Smith’s Villa side since moving from Southampton in the summer. The Englishman has nailed down his spot as the side’s first-choice left-back, overthrowing veteran Neil Taylor.

Targett, who has picked up the Man of the Match award twice in top-flight, has featured 24 times for the Villans across all competitions and has two goals and as many assists to his credit.

He was also crucial in Villa’s dramatic 2-1 win over rivals Leicester City in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg in January, scoring his first goal for the side. He has been a part of five of their seven wins in the league, proving his worth in the current Villa side.

Hence, Chelsea should continue their pursuits of the Villa defender as he could be a good backup option if everything else fails.

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Verdict

Targett’s arrival could solve Chelsea’s left-back conundrum, with the side’s current full-backs failing to impress. Moreover, he is still young and has plenty of time to develop under a boss like Lampard if a move happens. Also, if the Blues fail in their hunt for Chilwell and Telles, Targett could easily fit into that role.