At the moment, it is not clear who the Blues will go after but, after journalist Felix Johnston suggested Southampton’s Armel Bella-Kotchap as a possible option, fans on Twitter started the discuss whether the 21-year-old would be a good addition to the squad:
excellent shout 👏
— El Cholo Costaaa 🦁 (@CescFabx) July 18, 2023
Love him but he’s injury prone
— Drogba 88’ (@king_dd11) July 18, 2023
This guy is soo good 😂
— King of Violence 👑💔😂 (@mwami_kibirige) July 18, 2023
Another injury prone defender
— Swavey 🇫🇷 (@idk_you999V1) July 18, 2023
Would be a great move IMO. Fits our recruitment profile and a high ceiling
— Scott (@ScottTheSage) July 18, 2023
Another injury prone… y’all don’t learn
— Mr Azi ™ (@azimutal__) July 18, 2023
I want him😌
— Kinging x (@DesmondKinging) July 18, 2023
I’d take Bella Kotchap in a heartbeat. I’m not sure he’s quite the finished product tho
— Man Of Mayhem {S.O.A} ☠️ ™ (@VictorWagenbac1) July 18, 2023
We need to get him
— chelseanews (@Chelsea_storie) July 18, 2023
Bella-Kotchap’s injury record would be a concern
It should be noted that the German international spent 15 games on the sidelines last season with shoulder and knee injuries.
Considering the problems that Chelsea have had with keeping Fofana fit, it would be a surprise if the club’s recruitment team look at another player with a chequered fitness record.
Chelsea may consider shorter term solutions
As manager Mauricio Pochettino prefers to play with a four-man backline, he may not feel that the club have to directly replace Fofana.
However, with Benoit Badiashile also expected to miss the start of the season with his own injury, Pochettino may prefer that the Blues find cover for the Frenchman instead.
With that being the case, you can’t rule out an older player being brought to Stamford Bridge, potentially on loan. If that is the direction they go in then Bella-Kotchap won’t come under consideration.
