Why Chelsea want to sign elite centre-back – all 9 options for next season assessed | OneFootball

Chelsea continue to be linked to central defenders, which can seem strange given the number of players in that position already on the books. But if you look deeper, there is room for another once this summer’s departures are taken into account.

Levi Colwill has perhaps the most certain future. Enzo Maresca likes him, he’s played every Premier League game when available this season (apart from yesterday when he was presumably being rested), he’s young and home grown and has plenty of potential. He will be first choice again next season, no matter what happens with other players.

After him, Tosin Adarabioyo has perhaps the second most secure role. He’s a little older than the other options, brings lots of experience and a good dressing room presence, he’s happy not being first choice in the league and will likely remain as a useful 3rd or 4th choice option.

Wesley Fofana’s latest injury reinforces the growing belief that he will never be able to establish himself as a reliable regular. There’s no way the club are counting on him, and even if he’s kept at Chelsea, they will look for another elite option to replace him.

Players to be sold or loaned

Aaron Anselmino in Chelsea training. (Photo by Chris Lee/Chelsea FC)

Benoit Badiashile has had constant minor injuries which have prevented him establishing himself, and he’s had some poor games even when he has played. He will probably stick around, with Chelsea very likely to be open to offers for him should they come in.

Renato Veiga pushed to leave to play more in January, so we’d imagine he will make another loan or complete a permanent move in the summer. We can’t see him being promised centre back Premier League minutes next season.

Axel Disasi was loaned to Aston Villa in January, and looks likely to move there (or to another team) on a permanent move in the summer.

Trevoh Chalobah, on the other hand, was recalled in January. We see him in a similar role to Badiashile – we’ll sell him if a good offer comes in, or keep him if one doesn’t.

Then there’s Mamadou Sarr and Aaron Anselmino. We expect them to be loaned out to gain experience, or kept around as 4th or 5th choice options in the squad.