Chelsea
Mick Brown
Tue 20 May 2025 9:45, UK
Chelsea are considering a big-money move to sign Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite ahead of the summer transfer window.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Enzo Maresca is determined to bolster his defensive options.
However, they are concerned about the cost of landing the centre-back and are instead likely to turn their attentions towards more affordable target.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider in November that Everton would price Branthwaite out of a move with a potential £100million price tag.
Chelsea are the latest of a number of top clubs considering a move for the England Under-21 international as they step up their efforts to improve their defence.
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed in March that Everton want Branthwaite to sign a new contract and are preparing to open talks at the end of the season.
Jarrad Branthwaite Everton
Jarrad Branthwaite has been linked with a move to Chelsea. (Credit: Imago)
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Chelsea ‘not convinced’ by big-money Jarrad Branthwaite swoop
Brown told Football Insider in February that Branthwaite is unlikely to leave Everton and will continue his development under the guidance of David Moyes.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted the Blues have not been convinced to spend big-money on the Everton man.
“There’s no doubt the manager wants to improve his defensive options,” he told Football Insider.
“I’m told they’ve been looking at Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton.
“He would be a solid option for them, but I don’t think they’re completely convinced.
“If you’re looking at Branthwaite, how much better is he than what they’ve already got at Chelsea?
“Then, you have to consider that it would take big money to bring him in because Everton aren’t going to let him go easily.
“So if they’re spending that type of money, they want a player who would be a really significant upgrade on the likes of Colwill, and they’re not convinced he is.
“It’s something they’ll consider and then they’ll be the ones to make that decision.
“But as things stand I think they’re more likely to look elsewhere.”
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca
Enzo Maresca is aiming to improve his squad. (Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)
Antonio Rudiger to make sensational Stamford Bridge return?
Another centre-back Chelsea have been linked with ahead of the summer transfer window is Antonio Rudiger, who left the club to join Real Madrid in 2022.
However, Brown told Football Insider on 15 May that Chelsea are unlikely to re-sign Rudiger as he does not fit the profile Maresca is looking for.
This comes despite “whispers” that he could be allowed to leave Los Blancos alongside a change in management, with Carlo Ancelotti set to walk away.
Brown told Football Insider in February that Chelsea want to sign a new centre-back as a priority as they have failed to replace Rudiger since his departure.
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