Why this £21m-rated defender should choose Chelsea over Man United and Arsenal

Plenty of places for centre-halves

Antonio Conte has masterminded a change in formation at Stamford Bridge, successfully switching his men to a lethal 3-1-4-2 system, which has paid dividends in their last five league outings.

The Italian’s new formation means there is potential for three centre-halves to star in Chelsea’s backline, meaning Manolas’ possible arrival in January will not see him fear too much about limited game time.

With regular wing-backs Marcos Alonso and Victor Moses featuring further up field, Conte could use Manolas, Cesar Azpilicueta and Gary Cahill as his preferred back three, with Kurt Zouma also an option on his way back from injury, plus Terry in his ranks.