East Bengal interested in Raju Gaikwad, Lalramchullova in talks with ISL clubs

The Jamshedpur FC man failed to leave a mark during his ISL stint last season.

The Indian football transfer window is in full swing as clubs across the Indian Super League and I-League are making acquisitions and extending contracts of their players for the upcoming season.

East Bengal who have always been in the thick of things every year during this phase are again set to organise their team for the next season. The Red and Gold are currently chasing Indian experienced defender Raju Gaikwad. The 29-year old former India international has previously played for East Bengal as well as their city rivals Mohun Bagan.

It is understood that the deal is in its closing stage and if things go down as planned then Gaikwad will be seen donning the Red and Gold jersey in the upcoming season. The 29-year old has previously featured for clubs like East Bengal, Mohun Bagan, Jamshedpur FC, Mumbai City FC and also FC Goa. He could only manage five appearances for Jamshedpur FC last season in the ISL, as he could not make much impression on head coach Cesar Ferrando.

There were reports suggesting that even his former club Mumbai City FC were also interested but the Islanders were not ready to allow him regular first team football. The sole reason he came to East Bengal is to play regularly, while we all know Alejandro Garcia Menendez has already revealed that there will be another Spanish defender partnering Borja Gomez Perez in the heart of the defence. Hence leaving out the fact that Gaikwad's preferred position is centre back, he however can play on either flank and it is his versatility and experience  that made him a top target for the Red and Gold brigade.

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Meanwhile, with the good news, there are also news that won't please the East Bengal supporters. Their stalwart in defence, Lalramchullova who has had a stellar season for the Kolkata giants last time, is linked with arch-rivals Mohun Bagan. The Mariners have made Chullova their top target this season after his consistent performance and growth under the tutelage of Alejandro Menendez. To add to that Mohun Bagan's defence was very average and hence landing Chullova can be huge acquisition for the Mariners this season. 

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The 23-year old defender from Mizoram is very versatile and has been a top player at East Bengal since his arrival in 2017 from Aizawl FC, where he won his only I-League title under Khalid Jamil.

However, the talented versatile defender who can adapt to any position in the backline also has offers from ISL clubs. Former champions Chennaiyin FC were reportedly after his signature earlier in the transfer window. Now with rising interest from Mohun Bagan, it will be interesting to see how things work out for Lalramchullova from here on.