Chelsea want new centre-back next season, three names shortlisted
According to transfer news from Express, Chelsea have shortlisted three names for the summer transfer window as they aim to add a centre-back to their side. Apparently, it is one area that manager Thomas Tuchel wants to strengthen going into the new season.
It’s hard to see as to why they would go for another centre-back given how well they have performed with the existing players. The club have conceded just twice in the 13 games they have played under Tuchel.
The likes of Cesar Azpilicueta, Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger have been impressive, backed by the reliable Edouard Mendy.
However, with Azpilicueta and Thiago Silva ageing and Antonio Rudiger’s future still uncertain, it looks more reasonable to add to the defensive ranks. The club have identified three players namely Niklas Sule, Ibrahima Konate and Jose Maria Gimenez to shore up their defence next season.
The 25-year-old Sule is one of the best players at Bayern and is their defensive rock at the back. With Jerome Boateng not getting any younger, Sule can be considered the future of the Die Roten rearguard.
A towering presence at the back, Sule is also an incredible athlete with pace to burn. An all-rounder, it is clear to see why Tuchel wants him at Stamford Bridge.
The 21-year-old Konate has been with Leipzig since 2017, having joined from boyhood club FC Sochaux. During his time at the Saxony-based outfit, Konate has grown into a promising young centre-back with loads of potential.
It’s not hard to see why Gimenez is among the names being considered by Chelsea. He is one of Diego Simeone’s trusted lieutenants, who plays a big part in their highly astute defensive structure. A no-nonsense defender, Gimenez is not someone who shies away from challenges.
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All those names are some of the finest young central defenders in Europe and Chelsea are rightly targeting them. It remains to be seen if Chelsea let go of any player first before signing anyone. Nonetheless, signing even one of the three players would be a good long-term investment.