Chelsea set for six-way race for “special” Premier League defender in January

Stockport County's Odin Bailey in action with Crystal Palace's Daniel Munoz and Marc Guehi. (REUTERS/Toby Melville)

Chelsea steadied the ship at the weekend, but planning for January is already well underway.

A controlled 2–0 win over Everton ended a four-match winless run and lifted the Blues back into the Premier League’s top four, with Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto combining brilliantly at Stamford Bridge.

Still, with Enzo Maresca keen to build momentum rather than merely stop the slide, recruitment remains firmly on the agenda.

One name now firmly on Chelsea’s radar is Crystal Palace defender Daniel Muñoz, though securing his signature will be anything but straightforward.

Muñoz has become one of the most in-demand defenders ahead of the winter window after a series of eye-catching performances for Palace.

The Colombian international has impressed with his pace, intensity and attacking threat from wide areas, earning praise from Oliver Glasner, who described him as “special.”

According to Caught Offside, Chelsea view Muñoz as a player who could immediately raise the level of their defensive options while also offering energy and quality going forward — attributes Maresca values highly in his full-backs.

However, the Blues are far from alone.

Caught Offside claim that Manchester City are also long-term admirers, with Pep Guardiola reportedly drawn to Muñoz’s pressing ability and athletic profile. Manchester United are also said to be tracking his progress as they assess defensive reinforcements of their own.

Liverpool have entered the conversation too, seeing Muñoz as a flexible option capable of providing competition and depth on the right side. Outside England, Barcelona and Atlético Madrid are also monitoring the situation.

With interest mounting from across Europe, Chelsea face a crowded race — but their willingness to act early in January could prove decisive if they choose to push ahead.

Barnaby Lane is a highly experienced sports writer who has written for The Times, FourFourTwo Magazine, Sports Illustrated, TalkSPORT, and Business Insider.

Over the years, he's had the pleasure of interviewing some of the biggest names in world sport, including Usain Bolt, Rafael Nadal, Christian Pulisic, and more.