Chelsea are planning ahead.
The club’s hierarchy has grown weary of the injury roulette surrounding Reece James. Their captain—once hailed as a future legend—is again sidelined for much of the season. And patience, like time, is running out according to the Mirror.
Enzo Maresca knows reliability matters. And at right-back, Daniel Muñoz offers just that.
The Colombian has caught attention at Crystal Palace this term. A £21 million valuation reported by the Mirror, won’t scare Chelsea off.
It’s a modest fee for a 28-year-old who doesn’t just defend—he drives forward, creates, presses, leads.
Barcelona want him. Manchester City have circled too. But Chelsea? They might need him more.
Muñoz is not a star for tomorrow. He’s for the now.
Malo Gusto has stepped up in James’ absence. But recent changes in his representation and growing interest from Liverpool signal uncertainty.
Despite being contracted until 2030, the 21-year-old could be tempted by more minutes elsewhere.
Chelsea are watching closely.
Midfield could soon be thinned too. With Carney Chukwuemeka and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall potentially on the summer chopping block, a utility player like Muñoz—comfortable driving through midfield lines—adds tactical insurance.
Still, winning this race won’t come easy. Barcelona sells dreams. City offers trophies. Chelsea? They offer possibility—but only if they can return to Europe’s elite.
Champions League qualification remains key. Without it, even £21 million might not be enough.
Muñoz is a choice. A pivot. A low-cost, high-need investment. But the battle ahead will be fought on the pitch—not the market.