Chelsea’s new left-back target dreams of becoming the next Ashley Cole

What’s your message to Enzo Fernandez after his costly red card in the World Cup final?

He picked up 14 yellow cards for Chelsea last season 🟨

That sorts out one of Xabi Alonso’s problem positions. Left wing needed sorting out, and Chelsea pitched the left flank to Rogers in talks. Lacroix looks more and more likely to arrive at Chelsea in the summer.

Palace want £55m for Lacroix, but Chelsea are confident of doing a deal. At left-back, though, Chelsea are yet to replace Marc Cucurella. The Spaniard is celebrating a World Cup, while Chelsea look for cover.

Archie Brown dreams of becoming the next Ashley Cole

With talks over a move for Pep Chavarria stalling, Chelsea have identified three possible left-backs they could go after in the next week or so. Newcastle United and England star Lewis Hall is a dream signing.

Hall joined Newcastle from Chelsea in 2024, and a return could be on the cards. Real Madrid’s Alvaro Carreras is an option too, as is Fenerbahce defender Archie Brown, a year after his move to Turkey.

Signed by Jose Mourinho last summer, Brown has starred for Fenerbahce, and his form has caught the attention of Chelsea. In 2024, Brown spoke of how he wants to emulate Chelsea icon Ashley Cole.

“I’m throwing it quite far back, but Ashley Cole – he’s the standard for English left-backs,” Brown told Sky Sports. “I was fortunate enough to train with him when he was coming to the end of his career at Derby.

“What stood out to me the most was his approach to the game. I saw his ability to laugh and joke in the changing room, but when he stepped on the pitch, it’s like a switch flicks. He’s able to get into that zone.”

Why Archie Brown is the perfect left-back for Xabi Alonso

He might not be as high profile as Hall or Carreras, but Brown is the perfect age at 23. He is experienced in Europe but represents a homegrown option for Chelsea, and one that is likely to save some cash.

Where would this Chelsea team finish? 👀

The defender only joined Fener for £7m last summer, meaning a fee possibly three times that remains a cheap alternative to the likes of Hall and Carreras. But it is his ability to get forward that suits Alonso.

Quick, strong, and standing at 6ft 3in, Brown would provide Chelsea with a real attacking threat on the left but the defensive attributes required to get back into position and provide stern opposition.

There are many things to like about Brown and a possible move to Chelsea. With £172m possibly spent on Lacroix and Rogers, bringing in a cheaper alternative in Brown may suit the Blues this summer.