Chelsea considering Al-Nassr defender Aymeric Laporte | OneFootball

Chelsea are interested in a move for Al-Nassr defender Aymeric Laporte, according to journalist Nico Rodriguez.

The Blues want a left-sided defender and have Laporte on their radar. Manchester United, Fenerbahce, Galatasaray and Napoli are also interested.

Chelsea have previously been linked with Dean Huijsen, Jorrel Hato, Marc Guehi and Jarrad Branthwaite.

Levi Colwill is an undisputed starter in the left centre-half position, but Chelsea want a capable deputy with Benoit Badiashile blowing hot and cold.

Laporte fits the bill if he can fit into the Chelsea wage structure.

Chelsea fans want leaders in the rearguard. Laporte would provide the Blues with an authoritative presence.

Chelsea do not need Laporte

For all the talk about Chelsea needing defensive reinforcements, the team showed massive improvement at the back in the second half of the season.

The Blues had the third-best defensive record in the Premier League, conceding 43 goals.

They kept three clean sheets in their final five matches to secure Champions League football when many people did not give them a chance.

Trevoh Chalobah stepped up in the absence of Wesley Fofana and helped the Blues stay defensively resilient.

Tosin Adarabioyo also played a key role. The Blues do not need another defender.

Returning Renato Veiga should get a slot in the squad and would make Chelsea even more formidable.

Veiga can also cover for Marc Cucurella at left-back, allowing the club to ship Badiashile, Fofana and Axel Disasi off the books.

The Blues should consider a world-class option if anyone becomes available, but Laporte may be past his best.