Chelsea finding fall back options if Declan Rice pursuit fails

Chelsea acquiring both Lewis Dunk and John Stones would be a good fall back position if they can’t sign first choice centerback Declan Rice.

Chelsea should move quickly for both Lewis Dunk and John Stones if its first choice to shore up its problematic center back situation, Declan Rice is too expensive. It seems clear that Frank Lampard’s No. 1 to fill that position is Rice from West Ham.

The Hammers are holding out for top money for their best player and very likely future permanent captain if he remains. That’s not unexpected, any club would do the same with a 21-year-old who is already a top performer in the best football league in the world.

Chelsea must have or at least should have been well aware of this eventuality. They, therefore, should have been and should now be ready to splurge for Rice. It has been explored why in more detail. Should they be unwilling to do so, the best alternative is to bring in both Dunk and Stones.

That combination of talent will bring stability and much more to the back line for the Blues in the 2020/21 season and beyond. They are both in their prime years at 28 and 26 respectively.

Dunk is a great choice to provide several attributes that Chelsea is substantially lacking at the back. First, Dunk is a tall, strong presence. He’d be Chelsea’s tallest central defender and can help on corner kicks, especially defensively. This deficiency has been a major issue for Chelsea in the past couple of seasons. It needs to be rectified and Dunk will help there. In addition, he brings another great attribute to the table.

Dunk is a leader. He has captained the Brighton squad and would be a likely candidate to assume a leadership role for the Blues whether or not he wears the armband. And Chelsea needs a field director at the back. Cesar Azpiliqueta is fine and he has served the team well. But he will likely be more of a super substitute next season and the club needs a more demonstrative force at the back to assume that role. Dunk is an intimidating presence and that’s half the battle. He fills a lot of holes for Chelsea. At a reported cost of 40 million pounds, his acquisition is a no-brainer no matter what else Chelsea does at central defender this summer, including if they get Rice. So much the better.

Stones would also be an upgrade over Chelsea’s current central defenders no matter what his current status is at Manchester City. Stones was the apple of the Blues’ eye several years ago prior to his move to Manchester City. He is still young and he also brings qualities to Chelsea that will be helpful next season and beyond. Stones is relatively tall but could be taller. Nevertheless, he brings championship pedigree to the club along with experience in the Champions League.

In addition, Stones possesses a skill that Chelsea is devoid of at the moment. he is a force in the air on his team’s corner kicks in the attack. He knows how to put the ball in the net. Chelsea has no one the current team who is very proficient in that particular skill and it has cost the team. Stones will help rectify that deficiency. At a reported 20 million pounds, Stones is a quick and not very expensive upgrade at central defense.

The optimum solutions at central defense for Chelsea in the summer transfer window are first, pay whatever it takes to sign Declan Rice. Suffice it to say, he’d be a great addition for a number of reasons. In addition, however, Chelsea also needs to bring in one more central defender. Ideally, the two additions would be Rice and Dunk.

That’s the best option. Costly, but it instantly makes their defense a powerhouse. Rice and Stones is the second-best choice. The third would be to add both Dunk and Stones if Rice stays at West Ham. All of these options are good ones. Rice and Dunk together is a tremendous one.

Chelsea should make the investment and complement what looks like their massive influx of attacking talent with a new defense and a new keeper. They are all important toward building the championship-winning side the club and its fans are looking for.