Revealed: Chelsea's three-man defensive shortlist after missing out on Kounde

29 Jul 2022 08:31 BST
3 min read

Jules Kounde, Sevilla, 2021/22 — © ProShots

Chelsea have reportedly identified three possible centre-back targets to sign this summer following their failed pursuit of Jules Kounde.

Kounde, 23, was hunted by the Blues last year, but a deal broke down in its final stages after Sevilla increased their demands at the last moment. Chelsea then went back in for the Frenchman this window, after pursuits of Nathan Ake and Matthijs de Ligt, but were met with strong opposition from Barcelona.

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After stealing Raphinha from Chelsea earlier this summer, the Blaugrana did the same with Kounde and have now agreed a deal with Sevilla for the transfer of the player to Camp Nou.

According to The Guardian, Blues boss Thomas Tuchel held reservations over making a move for Kounde, with the Frenchman's height believed to be deemed a problem for the Premier League by the German head coach.

Chelsea have already signed one centre-back this summer, in the form of Kalidou Koulibaly, but Tuchel has publicly admitted he would like one or two more signings in that position before the window closes.

Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger, both of whom starred at centre-back last term, have left the club on free transfers, leaving Chelsea a little light in defence, despite the return of Ethan Ampadu and Levi Colwill from loan spells away.

As a result of Barcelona's Kounde acquisition, Chelsea have been forced to look elsewhere in order to deliver on Tuchel's request.

RB Leizpig's Josko Gvardiol and Villarreal's Pau Torres were both linked earlier in the window, but it seems as though Chelsea have moved onto other targets.

Who are Chelsea targeting?

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed on his Here We Go podcast that there are three names on Chelsea's shortlist to sign at centre-back.

© ProShots - Wesley Fofana is wanted by Chelsea

The first of Leicester City's Wesley Fofana, the second is Bayern Munich's Benjamin Pavard, and the third is Milan Skriniar of Inter Milan.

According to Ignazio Genuardi, Chelsea have agreed personal terms with Fofana after ramping up their pursuit in recent days, but have seen their first offer rejected by Leicester. The Foxes famously sold Harry Maguire to Manchester United for £80 million back in 2019, so it's believed a lucrative offer for Fofana will be needed if Chelsea are to land the young Frenchman.

It's believed that Bayern may listen to offers for Pavard, with the Frenchman expected to play a back-up role this season. Noussair Mazraoui has been signed on a free transfer from Ajax and will become Bayern's first-choice right-back, while the aforementioned De Ligt is expected to slot straight into the heart of defence.

Pavard has previously stated he wishes to play at centre-back, and Chelsea could provide that opportunity.

As for Skriniar, Paris Saint-Germain made a formal offer earlier in the window, but appear to have been priced out of a move for the player and have instead focused on Nordi Mukiele.