Chelsea have to decide if they are willing to pay monster £75m for player who could be a rock for a decade | OneFootball

With Liam Delap wrapped up as an important striker signing and various left wing options also seemingly getting closer to arrival, it’s time to look at the third priority position of Chelsea’s summer – centre back.

The story so far is that the Blues joined the long queue for Dean Huijsen, and have been let down by his decision to join Real Madrid instead. It’s frustrating to miss out on your top target, but it at least leaves us with plenty of time to look at other options.

The names we often see mentioned include Marc Guehi, who is clearly someone they like, and Jorrel Hato of Ajax. But today another name has been pushed into the mix as the Blues work their way down the list.

Jarrad Branthwaite, the young Everton defender who has emerged as one of the best young English defenders around, has been linked to us by TeamTalk.

“Branthwaite is viewed as an alternative to Dean Huijsen, whom the Blues missed out on to Real Madrid,” they write.

They claim that Chelsea are aiming to rival Tottenham in trying to sign the 22 year old. Their interest is “currently not as advanced” as ours, however.

Chelsea to wrestle with Everton over Branthwaite price tag

Jarrad Branthwaite battles for possession against West Ham. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

We can very much see Chelsea wanting Branthwaite. He ticks all the boxes – young, English, talented, playing in a position of need. His height and strength would also be a handy asset for this group.

The issue is his price – he has a contract until 2028 if Everton activate the extra year in his deal, and the Toffees will be desperate to hang onto him for at least a year longer before they’re forced to sell.

If he’s really seen as the perfect player to slot in alongside Levi Colwill and play for the next ten years, he could be worth the £75m they’re said to be asking for.