Malick Thiaw has enjoyed a remarkable climb over the last few years, going from Schalke to AC Milan before landing at Newcastle United. Below you will see information about is news which has been summarized The Football Insight.
Signed for just £30 million in August, he has quickly become one of Eddie Howe’s most reliable performers. His calm defending, strength in duels, and impressive reading of the game have already made him a fan favourite.
Before joining Newcastle, Thiaw built his reputation in Italy. He made 85 appearances for Milan, winning the Supercoppa Italiana and developing into one of Serie A’s most consistent young defenders. His performances were so strong that European giants like Real Madrid and Bayern Munich monitored him closely. Yet it was Newcastle who convinced him to move, and he has repaid them immediately.
Shaun Wright-Phillips believes Thiaw has everything Chelsea need. Although he admits it would be “almost impossible” to sign him so soon, he insists the Blues should try. For Wright-Phillips, Thiaw’s intelligence, positioning, and reliability make him the ideal target to strengthen Chelsea’s backline.
Why Chelsea Are Being Urged to Make a ‘Cruel’ Move
Wright-Phillips didn’t hesitate when asked which defender Chelsea should chase in January. Thiaw, he said, has been near-perfect since arriving in England. He highlighted the player’s ability to stay calm under pressure and consistently show up in the right place at the right time. For a defender still adapting to a new league, such consistency is rare.
He also admitted he hadn’t known much about Thiaw before his Premier League move. However, after watching him for Newcastle, Wright-Phillips now sees him as one of Howe’s first names on the teamsheet. That is exactly why he calls his own suggestion “cruel”—because Newcastle would never want to lose him.
Still, the former Chelsea winger believes the club can’t ignore a defender this good. With injuries and inconsistent performances affecting Chelsea’s current options, adding a stable and composed centre-back could be transformative.
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Ben White Also Linked to the Blues
Thiaw isn’t the only name mentioned. Wright-Phillips also suggested that Arsenal’s Ben White could be a realistic summer target for Chelsea. White has struggled for minutes this season after losing his right-back spot to Jurrien Timber, who has been outstanding since returning from injury.
White has been important for Arsenal since his £50 million move from Brighton in 2021. But injuries and competition have pushed him to the bench more often than expected. Wright-Phillips believes a summer switch across London could make sense, giving White a fresh start and Chelsea an experienced, versatile defender.
A January move, however, is off the table. With Arsenal chasing the Premier League title and Champions League success, Mikel Arteta will not risk weakening his squad mid-season—especially with depth playing such a key role in their campaign.
Chelsea Look Ahead to a Crucial Clash
Beyond transfer talk, Chelsea now focus on a huge Premier League showdown with Arsenal. The Blues head into the match full of confidence after a stunning 3-0 Champions League victory over Barcelona, a result that has boosted morale and belief among fans and players alike.
Maresca’s side remain six points behind Arsenal, but Sunday’s meeting at Stamford Bridge offers a rare chance to close the gap in one match. With momentum building and home support behind them, Chelsea see this as a key moment in their season.
A win would not only tighten the title race but also underline Chelsea’s growth under Maresca. With transfer rumours swirling and confidence rising, the upcoming clash could shape the direction of their entire campaign. Follow footballcoasters.co.uk for weekly deep dives into football’s biggest story.