Chelsea ready four-man shortlist to strengthen defence
According to a report from The Athletic, Chelsea have readied a four-man shortlist as manager Frank Lampard eyes a new centre-back signing in the ongoing transfer window.
The 2019/20 campaign, our first under Frank Lampard, has been a fairly successful one given the circumstances he took over the reins.
However, the club will need to strengthen the ranks further this summer for us to be able to compete with the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City. The additions of Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner is a step in the right direction, but the defence will also need restructuring before next season.
Chelsea conceded the most number of goals by any team in the top half of the Premier League table this past season. None of the centre-backs on the club’s payroll were consistent enough, thus warranting the addition of a new centre-half.
And, as per the aforementioned report, the Blues have prepared a four-man shortlist with the view of bolstering the defensive unit.
The first name on the said shortlist is of West Ham United ace Declan Rice. A former Chelsea academy man, the Englishman has flourished since switching to the Hammers. (h/t The Athletic)
While he has excelled as a defensive midfielder, he is equally adept at playing as a centre-back. However, he is likely to cost £70m, which might force the club to look elsewhere.
The second player on the list is Brighton & Hove Albion captain Lewis Dunk. The 28-year-old has been a consistent performer for the Seagulls year in year out since helping them to the Premier League. (h/t The Athletic)
A no-nonsense defender, Dunk would make the backline solid and bring a leadership presence on the field. With three years left on his contract, he is likely to command a transfer fee of £30m.
The third name on the list is Burnley’s James Tarkowski. The centre-back is a year younger to Dunk and has one year less on his contract with the Clarets. A player very similar to the Brighton defender, he too would be an option worth considering. (h/t The Athletic)
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The final player that Chelsea are looking at is Atletico Madrid defender Jose Maria Gimenez. However, the Uruguayan international has a release clause of £108m, which may put him beyond our reach. (h/t The Athletic)
All the four players come with their pros and cons. So, it will be interesting to see who the club decide to sign in the current window.