Chelsea's desire to sign a new defender this summer is no secret. After conceding 57 goals across all competitions this term, it is clear another centre-back or two is needed.
Much will depend on just how much money Enzo Maresca has to spend when the transfer window opens.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca celebrates after the match
A few players might be sold in order to balance the books, although if the club achieves Champions League qualification, Maresca will need to strengthen his side.
Several defenders have already been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, although one has chosen Real Madrid instead…
Chelsea targeting defenders in the transfer window
Dean Huijsen was a name on the list of targets for Chelsea, but defender ended up joining Real Madrid, who activated the £50m release clause that was in his Bournemouth contract.
The Blues must move on, and they have already earmarked an ideal alternative to the Spaniard. Ajax defender Jorrel Hato is the latest name linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.
AFC Bournemouth's Dean Huijsen
Hato, who is currently valued at £42m, only turned 19 in March and has the advantage of being able to play either at centre-back or on the left side of the defence.
The chance to play Champions League football with the Blues could give them a boost in their pursuit and he would make for an interesting signing.
PL Minutes U21 players
Despite showing interest in both of these young, talented defenders, Maresca has someone in his squad who came through the Cobham academy and is valued higher than Hato and Huijsen; Levi Colwill.
Why Chelsea have struck gold on Levi Colwill
Colwill may have had to wait until the 2023/24 season to make his debut for Chelsea after a number of loan spells, but he has been a regular ever since.
Under Maresca, the Englishman has played 36 times in all competitions, even breaking through to earn three caps for England.
Levi Colwill's PL stats for Chelsea
Metric
Accurate passes per 90
Clean sheets
Total duels won per 90
Tackles per 90
Possession lost per 90
Via Sofascore
Colwill has missed just three Premier League games this season for the Blues and, throughout the campaign, he has won 56% of his total duels per match, kept nine clean sheets and recovered 3.5 balls per game in the top flight.
Furthermore, when compared to his peers in the division, Colwill ranks impressively, notably sitting in the top 12% for passes completed (67.32) per 90, along with ranking in the top 32% for aerials won (2.32) per 90 for Chelsea.
He is still only 22, meaning he could be a cornerstone for the club over the next few years. Indeed, his performances have even seen his value rise exponentially with some reports noting last year that the club now value him at a whopping £100m.
This means he is worth even more than both Hato and Huijsen put together, signifying just how impressive a player Maresca has on his hands.
His performances were praised during a loan spell with Brighton and Hove Albion during the 2022/23 campaign, with talent scout Jacek Kulig claiming he was a “world-class talent”.
If he continues on this upwards trajectory, Colwill could become one of the best players for the Blues over the coming years, and they have certainly struck gold on him.
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