Assessing the centre-backs Chelsea could target following Wesley Fofana's injury
Injuries to both Benoit Badiashile and Wesley Fofana may alter Chelsea's summer transfer plans. The former's hamstring problem was always going to impact his pre-season, but the latter's ACL injury means Chelsea are without a key centre-back until early 2024 at the earliest. Fofana's absence may now see the Blues delve into the market for another defender to ease the Frenchman's extended absence on the sidelines as we pick out five that the club could consider moving for this summer.
Chelsea allowed Marc Guehi to depart for Crystal Palace two years ago. In hindight, it wasn't the best business by the Blues. Guehi has blossomed into one of the finest defenders in the Premier League, and his performances for the Eagles have certainly caught the eye. With another three years left to run on his current deal at Selhurst Park, Palace are under no pressure to sell the 23-year-old.
As such, Palace have supposedly set an asking price of £50m for the England international, who won possession in the defensive third more times (167) than any other player in the Premier League last season. A composed individual both on and off the ball, Guehi could prove the perfect long-term centre-back partner for compatriot and fellow Chelsea academy product Levi Colwill.
💪 Marc Guehi won possession in the defensive third (167) at least 17 more times than any other player in the Premier League this season pic.twitter.com/7MozgRimEb
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) July 18, 2023
Harry Maguire - Manchester United
Having been stripped of the Manchester United captaincy, Harry Maguire is expected to leave the club this summer. The England international has dropped to fifth choice centre-back under Erik ten Hag, with left-back Luke Shaw now ahead of Maguire in the pecking order. A change of scene is required.
While many may scoff at the idea of Maguire moving to Chelsea, he is a Premier League experienced defender in need of a fresh start to reignite his career. The 30-year-old's England performances reinforce how effective a defender Maguire can be in the right system under the right boss. He'd have the perfect man manager in Mauricio Pochettino at Stamford Bridge, and this could be key to the defender transferring his solid country form to club.
Aymeric Laporte - Manchester City
Manchester City's ongoing pursuit of Josko Gvardiol suggests Aymeric Laporte's time at the club is over. The Spain international struggled for regular minutes last term, but when called upon was a reassuring presence at the back that abided by Pep Guardiola's demands to build attacks from defence.
Indeed, Laporte ranked third for passes per 90 (85.7) of all defenders in the Premier League last season, and while he has endured his injury issues, the centre-back is a composed and experienced individual that would aid the development of the younger defenders on the Blues' books. Mateo Kovacic has swapped Stamford Bridge for the Etihad Stadium this summer. Provided City are willing to do business, Laporte could make the reverse trip to help ease Fofana's absence.
While nothing has come to fruition this summer, Axel Disasi has been linked with a Premier League switch ahead of next month's deadline. Manchester United and Newcastle have both been monitoring the France international, but reports suggest Chelsea could also be in the market for the Monaco man.
Disasi's best position is at centre-back, yet has operated at right-back on a handful of occasions, and this potential versatility could appeal to the Blues. The 25-year-old is strong in the air and willing to put his body on the line to protect his side's goal, and this committed approach to defending would certainly sit well with Chelsea fans. There is work to be done to improve his distribution, however this is a side to his game that can be refined by Pochettino and co.
Benjamin Pavard - Bayern Munich
Chelsea were linked with a move for Benjamin Pavard earlier in the summer, but those reports have since gone quiet. Fofana's injury, though, means the Blues are weighing up their options, and Pavard may yet emerge as a potential target once more. Manchester City are reportedly keen on the Frenchman as a potential replacement for Kyle Walker, who himself has supposedly agreed terms with Bayern.
The German side's capture of Kim Min-Jae from Napoli may have been made possible by Lucas Hernandez's sale to PSG, but Pavard is one of their sellable assets as they seek to fund a move for Harry Kane. Comfortable at both right-back and centre-back, this versatility in defence without a drop in performance levels is a key reason behind interest from European champions City. With a desire to get the ball on the deck and play out from the back, the 27-year-old would prove an astute capture provided Chelsea could get a deal done.
