Chelsea transfer window round-up: June 10 to June 20

3. Defensive targets

Chelsea came very close last summer to completing the signing of French CB Jules Kounde, only for Sevilla to increase its asking price at the last moment and see the deal fall through. Even now, the Blues remain interested in signing the versatile defender and after the departure of first team mainstays like Christensen and Rudiger, this signing has become a priority for the club.

It is said that personal terms have already been agreed with Kounde’s camp and only a transfer fee is left to be agreed with Sevilla. Last year, the Spanish side was asking for the release clause to be paid in full, which sits at €80 million, but now it is said that a deal could be agreed if Chelsea would pay around €60 million. Apart from Kounde, the Blues are looking at a whole host of defenders like Nathan Ake, Gleison Bremer, Matthijs de Ligt, Jose Gimenez and Josko Gvardiol.

It’s important to keep in mind that the only recognized centerbacks left in the squad are Trevoh Chalobah, Malang Sarr and Thiago Silva. Silva is 37 now, and he is not getting any younger. The Brazilian cannot be a regular starter in a top team if the club is playing two or more games in a week. Sarr got numerous chances last season to showcase his ability, but it has to be said that he is not of the quality that Chelsea requires at this moment in time. That leaves the Blues with only Chalobah to rely on right now. Even after signing Kounde, Chelsea will have to sign at least one more centerback.

One player that could play for the club next season if he impresses Tuchel in preseason is Levi Colwill. The England U21 international impressed at Huddersfield Town last season during his first loan spell as he nearly helped lift the Terriers to promotion to the Premier League. He only fell short in the playoff final. There is a lot of talk of Tuchel changing to a back four, but even with all of those whispers, expect the club to sign at least two centerbacks this summer.