Chelsea are reportedly “reluctant” to sign a new central defender this summer, despite the fact that Levi Colwill is likely to miss the entire season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
The England international successfully underwent ACL surgery last week, after suffering the injury during Chelsea’s first pre-season training session, but the Blues have not yet decided to dip into the market in search of a replacement.
Chelsea have already purchased Ajax defender Jorrel Hato so far this summer, with the Dutchman capable of playing as a central defender, while they still have Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Josh Acheampong and Aaron Anselmino as options in the middle of defence.
Axel Disasi, Renato Veiga and Alfie Gilchrist remain at the club too, although they are all part of Chelsea’s current ‘bomb squad’.
The Blues could enter the centre-back market if the aforementioned Chalobah departs on a permanent deal, as per BBC Sport, but the 26-year-old has worked his way back into favour over the past few months and he is now extremely unlikely to leave west London.
After Chelsea’s pre-season friendly against Bayer Leverkusen on Friday, Maresca stated it was his “priority” to sign a replacement for Colwill before the summer transfer window slams shut, but the club’s hierarchy have seemingly decided to ignore his advice.
Chelsea’s transfer plans
Although Chelsea aren’t currently pursuing a new centre-back, they are eager to complete the signings of Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho and RB Leipzig attacking midfielder Xavi Simons before the end of Transfer Deadline Day.
The Blues have already agreed personal terms with both players and they are now locked in negotiations with Man Utd and Leipzig over possible transfer fees.
However, Chelsea are also focused on sanctioning several player sales, with Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku, Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell among the stars expected to depart on permanent deals over the next few weeks.
Football transfer news headlines today
The FootballTransfers app
Check out FootballTransfers’ new app for all of football’s big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.
The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store.
Download here:
