Chelsea’s interest in Ben Nelson is another needless addition in a disjointed transfer policy | OneFootball

Chelsea are reportedly interested in Leicester City centre-back Ben Nelson – another reminder of a scrappy and erratic transfer strategy.

According to the Telegraph, the Blues are weighing up a move for the 21-year-old defender, who has impressed on loan at Championship side Oxford United.

Whether or not Nelson falls under the ‘promising young talent’ category is highly debatable, but Chelsea’s interest raises more questions than answers about their direction.

Since coming through Leicester’s academy, Nelson has only played nine times for the club.

He helped Oxford avoid relegation from the Championship, although he only played 17 times on either side of a five-month spell on the sidelines.

Nelson helped Oxford to keep four clean sheets in 17 games. He averaged 1.2 interceptions, 1.3 tackles, 3.4 ball recoveries and 5.5 clearances per 90 minutes.

The English ace won 51 percent of his aerial duels and was also imperious on the ground with an outstanding 60% success rate in 1v1 battles.

Nelson is a strong, composed defender with bags of potential and his numbers back up that claim.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca gave him his Leicester debut and is a huge fan, which is how rumours of a transfer gained traction.

However, a mixed Championship spell shouldn’t justify another addition to Chelsea’s already bloated squad of youth prospects.

Chelsea do not need Nelson, especially when the club is heading into a crucial summer transfer window.

The Blues are expected to bolster their backline with a new centre-back, but they need one who is ready to play at the highest level.

Chelsea also require a proven striker and a right-footed attacker to bolster the squad.

Signing another developmental project that’ll likely never make a senior appearance for the club doesn’t move the needle.

The obsession with youth recruitment has yielded only a few tangible results. It’s time Chelsea acted with urgency and clarity.