Chelsea Prioritise Two Centre-Back Targets as Summer Recruitment Continues

Chelsea are reportedly narrowing their focus to two centre-back targets as they look to strengthen their defensive options ahead of the 2025/26 season.

The push for reinforcements comes amid the club’s continued efforts to reshape the squad under new head coach Enzo Maresca.

The Blues’ recent 3-1 defeat to Flamengo in the FIFA Club World Cup exposed some defensive vulnerabilities, compounded by a costly red card for forward Nicolas Jackson. While progression to the knockout rounds remains possible with a win over Tunis on Wednesday morning (UK time), attention off the pitch is firmly on transfer activity.

Chelsea have already added striker Liam Delap to their ranks this summer, but sources suggest Maresca is eager to bring in a second forward, along with a new winger, goalkeeper, and central defender.

At centre-back, Chelsea are understood to be targeting two specific players who could replace Benoît Badiashile, whose future at the club remains uncertain. Any new signing will be expected to provide immediate competition for Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, and potentially Trevoh Chalobah, though Chalobah’s status also remains unresolved.

Despite Maresca’s recent public insistence that the current squad has depth, Chelsea’s recruitment team is actively pushing forward with talks. The club’s ambition to compete on multiple fronts next season has made defensive solidity a top priority—particularly with the Club World Cup and Premier League fixtures demanding a deeper, more resilient squad.