'Seriously looking': Chelsea considering signing Premier League centre-back who would sort their big issue - journalist
Chelsea are going to be keen to address a number of positions in the transfer market when it opens again at the end of the season.
Despite currently sitting in the top four, fans are in agreement that the squad is by no means in the best place it could be right now, and one position that needs recruitment is centre-back.
The Blues felt they needed to address this in January, where they made the decision to recall Trevoh Chalobah early from his loan away from the club.
Despite starting three of the four games since his return, Chalobah is still not confident he will be wanted at Stamford Bridge come the end of the season.
This will likely see them enter the market again for a new option, with the shortlist of former transfer targets stacking high.
Chelsea seriously considering move for Jarrad Branthwaite
One name who has been mentioned on that list frequently in the past is Jarrad Branthwaite, currently featuring regularly at the back for a new and improved Everton side.
Pat Nevin has already suggested Chelsea should make a move for Branthwaite, with it already being expected that he is going to get his move to a top club soon.
It seems the Blues have been keen to add themselves into the list of potential suitors before the window opens. Simon Phillips has claimed on his Substack that Chelsea are seriously considering a move for the Englishman this summer.
He said: “But the ‘new’ name who is not actually a new name because we have reported interest before, is Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton.
“He returns to our radar and has been spoken about again very recently as a genuine centre back option that the club are seriously looking at making an approach for in the summer.
“Although he still has a contract until 2027 with an option for a further year, there is a belief within the industry that he will be making his big career move in the summer and Everton will be willing to cash in on him. Other clubs are also keen.
“We will have to see how this one plays out, but I’ll obviously be hearing more as we lead up to the summer window.”
Jarred Branthwaite will solve Chelsea’s main issue at the back
Despite Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana forming an impressive partnership when both fit for the Blues, it is clear that an aerially dominant defender is lacking.
Axel Disasi offered this option before he was loaned out in January. Enzo Maresca was clearly not a fan of his at centre-back.
Benoit Badiashile offers height but is rarely fit, and there are still questions over whether free signing Tosin Adarabioyo has enough quality to feature regularly for Chelsea.
Branthwaite would add much-needed height to the backline as well as talent, with him already being good enough to start for the Blues.
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