An explanation for Chelsea’s shift in focus regarding their centre-back targets has been provided.
Chelsea would, of course, lose Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen this summer, leaving them with very limited options at the back at present.
Thiago Silva and Cesar Azpilicueta are both coming towards the ends of their careers whilst Trevoh Chalobah and Malang Sarr lack the quality and experience needed to play at the top of the game week in, week out.
So who will Chelsea sign to replace Rudiger and Christensen? Well, Fabrizio Romano has provided an insight into this very subject on Monday.
For much of last summer and in the past few months, Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde was the main name on Chelsea’s list.
However, in recent weeks, we have seen a shift in focus towards Juventus’ Matthijs de Ligt. But why is this?
Well according to Romano: “De Ligt is the priority for Chelsea and contacts will continue this week with Juventus. A new proposal from Chelsea is expected to try to get closer to the request of the Italian club. There are real possibilities because De Ligt wants a move to the Premier League, but an agreement will have to be found with Juventus.
He added: “Manchester City defender and former Chelsea ace Nathan Ake is also high on the Blues’ list, while Jules Kounde remains an option but was a priority for Marina Granovskaia, while new owner Todd Boehly now prioritizes other targets, and therefore Kounde is lower on the list – Barcelona are also interested in the Frenchman, so that could complicate that deal further.”