Chelsea transfer news: Man City, Blues 'suffer blow' in pursuit of Premier League right-back

Chelsea and Manchester City have reportedly been dealt a blow in their efforts to strengthen at right-back.

Despite sitting in fourth and fifth position in the Premier League table, both clubs are enduring mixed campaigns under Enzo Maresca and Pep Gaurdiola.

The former have been eliminated from both domestic cup competitions, while the latter suffered a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League knockout playoff tie on Tuesday night.

Both sides have separate priorities for the summer transfer window, it plausible that a fresh face at full-back could be on the agenda.

Nevertheless, as per Football Insider, it appears that they may struggle to secure a deal for a current Premier League player.

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Palace to hold firm over Munoz?

Crystal Palace defender Daniel Munoz has allegedly been identified as a potential option courtesy of his outstanding first year in the Premier League.

The Colombia international has contributed two goals and seven assists from 39 outings in England's top flight, largely from a right wing-back role.

However, with a contract that expires in 2027, Munoz has emerged as a natural target for bigger clubs in the Premier League, with Barcelona also allegedly keen.

That said, as per former scout Mick Brown, who is a regular contributor to the outlet, it would take a huge fee for Palace to consider selling the £7m man.

Brown said: "I don't see any reason Palace would let him go. The only thing would be money, if they get a huge offer then they might take it because it would be a significant profit on what they paid for him.

"But he's such an important player in their side, they're going to be very reluctant to lose him. They've got a work ethic in their side which is the backbone of their team, and it gets them results which maybe you wouldn't expect.

"Munoz is a big part of that, because of the energy and work rate he brings to the team. Palace know which of their players are most important to them."

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Who needs Munoz most?

With Chelsea already having Reece James, Malo Gusto and Josh Acheampong as right-back options, it appears highly unlikely that they would spend big on a 28-year-old Munoz.

From City's perspective, though, he could prove to be the ideal addition, acting as a like-for-like replacement for Kyle Walker.

Munoz would also cost less money than alleged City target Andrea Cambiaso, who may be allowed to leave Juventus for a fee in the region of £50m.

Written by
Darren Plant