Chelsea F.C is already doing business this transfer window, and they recently announced the signing of Kalidou Koulibally and Raheem Sterling.
While Koulibally’s signing will improve their defense, the club needs to do more to replace the void left open by Anthony Rudiger and Andreas Christensen’s departure.
With Jules Kounde, Lisandro Martinez, and Matthijs de Ligt all taken, there aren’t many center-back options in the market anymore. However, there are still some quality defenders in the market that can improve Chelsea’s defense next season.
This article is a list of the best six available center-back options Chelsea can buy this summer transfer Window.
Best 6 Center Backs Chelsea Can Buy This Transfer Window to Improve Their Defence
1. Pau Torres
Perhaps the best center-back option Chelsea could get this window, Pau Torres was an integral part of the Villarreal squad that made a historic run to the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League last season.
Originally linked with a move away at the end of the 2020/21 season, Pau Torres was pinned down by Villarreal’s UEFA Europa League win, which automatically sealed a UEFA Champions League qualification for them.
Blessed with an accurate reading of the game and distribution from the back, the defender will be a good fit for coach Thomas Tuchel’s tactics. Should Chelsea decide to sign the Spaniard, they’ll face competition from Manchester United for his signature.
However, Chelsea appears to be the best suitor since they’ll be playing UEFA Champions League football next season.
Bookmakers like bet365 online offer exciting odds on Chelsea buying Pau Torres this summer.
2. Wesley Fofana
Wesley Fofana is a French central defender that currently plays for Leicester City. The young defender’s composure on and off the ball is an asset that makes him a spy target for top teams.
Despite having an injury-laden 2021/22 season with Leicester, Fofana showed quality in all the games he plays and is one of the best young defenders in the EPL.
Chelsea would be looking to shell out around £50 million to sign the defender. The Blues should have intense competition if they want to sign Fofana, but the defender should be keen to move as it would be an upgrade to his career.
3. Jasko Gvardiol
If there is a long-term center-back option that should be on Chelsea’s transfer wishlist, Jasko Gvardiol would be the man. The Croatian-born defender started his career at Dinamo Zagreb but plays for RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga.
Despite being just 20 years old, Jasko looks mature for his age and is arguably among the league’s best center-backs.
His confidence with the ball and ability to play from the back makes him highly ranked among some of the top coaches in the game.
Chelsea will likely face competition from clubs like Tottenham Hotspur for the signature of the 20-year-old. A fee of around £60 million should be enough to facilitate a transfer for the center back.
4. Maxence Lacroix
Maxence Guy Lacroix is a French professional footballer who plays for VfL Wolfsburg. The fierce defender was solid all through last season for Wolfsburg and is on the radar of numerous top teams.
Pundits compared him to Rio Ferdinand thanks to his impressive physical build and ball-playing ability.
Maxence was statistically one of the fastest players in the Bundesliga last season, and he uses his pace judiciously to track down attackers and win the ball. Additionally, his aerial ability is top-notch. Chelsea could fend off competition and sign a player that may become one of the world’s best in the years to come.
5. Jose Gimenez
Jose Gimenez is another realistic center-back option Chelsea could bring to Stamford Bridge this summer. He began his career at Danubio FC before signing for Atletico Madrid in 2013.
Since then, he’s evolved to become an integral part of Diego Simeone’s defense line.
Top news outlets reported that the manager Thomas Tuchel is a huge admirer of the Uruguayan star. A fierce defender with incredible balance and impressive work rate, he’s the type of player Chelsea would be looking to add depth to their defense.
Should Chelsea decide to sign him, they’ll need to shell out upwards of £50 million to convince Atletico Madrid to sign their star defender. Also, they’ll need to fend off competition from top teams before they can add him to the squad.
6. Conor Coady
Conor Coady is an English player who plays for Wolverhampton Wanderers and the English national team. He joined the club in 2015 and is currently the captain.
Coady’s reading of the game and his positioning are some of his most impressive qualities. He thrives best in a 3-man defense setup, a style Thomas Tuchel favored throughout his stay at Chelsea.
Additionally, the blues could also make do with his leadership qualities and Premier League experience, which the club will be missing after the departure of Anthony Rudiger.
A bid of £30 million should be enough to tempt Wolves to sell, which would be a steal considering the quality addition he’d make to the defense.
Conclusion
Chelsea needs to up preparations for next season, and one of the many ways they can do so is to make valuable signings this summer. The club needs players not only in the center-back position but also in their attack.
While these players may not be all available center-back options the club can potentially sign this summer, they are some of the best.
