From De Ligt to Marquinhos: Chelsea's centre back shortlist
Cameron Smith
- Updated: 21 Sept 2021 14:32 BST
- 4 min read
Under Thomas Tuchel, Chelsea have simply become a defensive powerhouse. Sir Alex Ferguson's saying "attack wins you games, defence wins you titles" certainly rings true, and the Blues were triumphant in the Champions League by being impossible to beat.
Of course, the attacking players did their job as well, but it was the defence that was mightily impressive. With five defenders and two defensive midfielders, Tuchel has certainly placed a heavy emphasis on defensive structure, but so far, it's worked.
Even when down to 10 men, Chelsea rarely look like conceding, and they've picked up 23 clean sheets since Tuchel joined the club in January 2021.
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N'Golo Kante and Jorginho obviously play a big part in that, but the back three are also crucial.
Antonio Rudiger has come alive under Tuchel, Thiago Silva is ageing like a fine wine, Cesar Azpilicueta is Mr. Reliable, while Andreas Christensen is finally delivering on the huge promise he has. Trevoh Chalobah also looks excellent under the German coach.
However, Rudiger, Azpilicueta, Silva, and Christensen will all be out of contract this time next year, unless they sign a new deal. Talks are reportedly progressing well, but at the moment, Chelsea's centre-half options for next year are threadbare, and that's putting it lightly. In fact, they won't have any central defenders with top-class pedigree unless they can convince their current stars to renew their contracts.
That reason is why Chelsea pushed so hard for Jules Kounde this summer, and it's why the Blues will be in the market for new central defensive talent. They have been linked with several names, but who could they actually sign?
Matthijs de Ligt
Now, Chelsea have been heavily linked with a move for Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt over the past few days. The Dutch defender, who broke through at Ajax and captained his boyhood side, joined Juve in 2019, but could be on the way out already. It would cost an arm and a leg to get him out of Turin - his €150 million release clause that comes into effect next summer - so a move does seem unlikely, but Chelsea have plenty of money to spend so it could happen.
He would naturally fit into the middle of Tuchel's back three, effectively replacing Thiago Silva, and with his leadership skills, as well as overall quality, he'd be an excellent addition. The price is an issue, however.
Jules Kounde
Chelsea's primary defensive target for the whole of the summer transfer window, the Blues could, and most likely will be, back in for Jules Kounde in 2022. The French defender will be one year closer to the end of his Sevilla contract, which expires in 2024, and although the deal fell through this year, it might not happen next time around.
The €90m price tag Sevilla placed on his head could impact things again if the Blues don't want to deal with Sevilla's negotiators once more.
However, he's an exceptionally talented player, and would be perfect to play on the right of the back three.
Marquinhos
According to RMC Sport in France, Chelsea were willing to offer €99m for Marquinhos in the summer, but were turned down by both Paris Saint-Germain and the player himself.
However, he is clearly a target of the club, and if Chelsea can persuade the Brazilian of their project under previous PSG boss Tuchel, then a deal could be struck.
Capable of also playing in midfield, another problem area for Chelsea, Marquinhos could be considered as the ideal signing for the Stamford Bridge side.
Alessandro Bastoni
A left-footed central defender aged just 22, Alessandro Bastoni is a superstar in the making. He played on the left of Antonio Conte's back three during Inter's title win last season, and was truly excellent.
Levi Colwill is a Chelsea academy graduate who also plays as a left centre-half, and his progression would be hampered by this move, but for Bastoni, it could be worth it.
His contract at the San Siro does expire in 2024, making a deal harder to finalise, but Romelu Lukaku has recommended the player to the Chelsea hierarchy.
Milan Skriniar
Just like with Bastoni, Lukaku has recommended Milan Skriniar to his new club. Again part of Inter's success story last season, Skriniar would be easier to steal away from the Italian capital as his contract expires in 2023, meaning he'll go into next summer with just one year remaining, which could lower his price tag.
Linked with a move to English shores for several years, Skriniar would add a toughness and winning mentality to the Chelsea backline.
Tottenham were heavily interested over the summer, but opted for Christian Romero instead. Skriniar would likely be the cheapest option available from this list.
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