With Chelsea showing a lot of inconsistency right now, it appears that Xabi Alonso wants some reinforcements in January.

His side currently sit fifth in the Premier League table on 16 points. So far, they have won five games, drawn one and lost four.

A new midfielder is very likely to be at the top of their list, although they may not be able to land primary target Alex Scott this winter. While Bournemouth were thought to be open to selling Scott in the January transfer window, it looks like they have returned to their previous stance of not wanting to sanction an exit midseason.

Chelsea have come close to signing Gvardiol in the past, almost landing the defender while he was still at RB Leipzig. Gvardiol eventually joined City, where he has been playing as a left-back. But the 24-year-old is a centre-back by trade and has the skill set to play there.

Gvardiol can tackle, make interceptions and win the ball in the air. According to FotMob, the Croatian is currently making 2.44 tackles and 1.54 interceptions per 90 minutes, while he is also winning 2.56 aerial duels on average.

For context, Colwill, who is currently the left-sided centre-half in this Chelsea team, is making 1.08 tackles and 0.72 interceptions per 90. He is, however, winning more aerial duels (4.94), though that may be down to the fact that the England international is playing in central defence, whereas Gvardiol has mostly been used at left-back. Out wide, there are obviously fewer aerial duels.

Colwill is only one inch taller than Gvardiol and is not renowned for having an amazing jumping reach. Such a large discrepancy, then, can only be explained by another factor, such as positional difference.

As well as being a solid defender, Gvardiol is also very good on the ball, which you have to be to play under both Enzo Maresca and Pep Guardiola.

Last season, Gvardiol was making 17.42 line-breaking passes per 90, putting him in the top 6.7%. Even before it emerged that Alonso was looking for a left-sided centre-half it was being reported that Chelsea are interested in Gvardiol again amid City’s ongoing situation with the Premier League.

It is definitely something to keep an eye on as the club try to give Alonso the best possible chance of finishing in the top four and qualifying for the Champions League.