It is no secret that Chelsea need to strengthen their centre-back ranks. In fact, they should have done it this summer itself, once it became clear that Levi Colwill was going to be out of action for the foreseeable future. We all knew that the Englishman was important to this team. But how bad the defence has looked in his absence has been a bit surprising to be honest.
Trevoh Chalobah, who earned so much praise towards the end of last season, has looked lost. Wesley Fofana is a shell of his former self. Benoit Badiashile continues to deal with injury problems. Tosin Adarabioyo is not a starter for Chelsea. And Axel Disasi has been frozen out of the squad.
Josh Acheampong looked fantastic in the first match of the season, keeping a clean sheet against Crystal Palace. He has not been given a single minute of action since, in one of Enzo Maresca's most confusing decisions as Chelsea manager.
Now, it looks like Chelsea already have plans in place to sign a French centre-back. But he won't be joining the club before next summer.
Chelsea have plans in place to sign French centre-back
As reported by TBR Football, Chelsea already have plans in place for Ismael Doukoure. In fact, it looks like he signed a new contract only after his pathway to Stamford Bridge was mapped out. Graeme Bailey said:
"Part of the new deal, he was handed a significant pay rise, but he also signed knowing a pathway is in place for him to follow Strasbourg team-mate Emanuel Emegha to Stamford Bridge in 2026."
Strasbourg fans won't like this piece of news, that is for sure. They have already been pretty unhappy with the Emanuel Emegha deal, with the Dutch striker set to join Chelsea in the future. And now, it looks like their star cente-back is on his way to Stamford Bridge as well.
Chelsea have not had good luck when it comes to signing French centre-backs in recent years though. Badiashile, Disasi and Fofana have all failed to meet expectations. One can only hope that Doukoure proves to be the exception.