Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite this summer, with Enzo Maresca eager to improve his defensive options.
The Blues are looking to build on their Europa Conference League win and Champions League qualification this summer, and believe that the young centre-back is one option who will help them for years to come.
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite is of interest to several Premier League clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Manchester United. However, he will not come cheap for any interested parties, as Branthwaite has two years left on his existing deal and is valued at around £70m.
However, it was recently claimed that Everton want as much as £80m for Branthwaite, a sign that they are not willing to let him go easily.
Everton have already lost Liam Delap to Chelsea; now, they could lose one of their prized assets in Branthwaite if the price is right this summer.
Now, transfer journalist Ben Jacobs has shared the latest on Chelsea’s interest in Branthwaite.
Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Chelsea not actively looking to sign Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton
Thankfully for Everton fans, it is good news as Chelsea are seemingly looking elsewhere for a new defender this summer.
That is according to Jacobs, who shared a post on X stating that Chelsea are looking to sign Ajax defender Jorell Hato and that Branthwaite is not someone they are expected to move for despite the links.
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Reports have stated that Branthwaite is happy at Everton and is not actively looking to leave the club this summer. However, the feeling is that if any approaches are rebuffed by the Toffees, Branthwaite expects to have talks over a new contract with Moyes shortly after.
Jorrel Hato remains a player of interest to Chelsea. Appeal is in his ability to play left-back and centre-back.
Chelsea exploring defenders, but not expected to move for Jarrad Branthwaite, despite links.🔵 pic.twitter.com/oPzZCQA5tU
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) June 6, 2025
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While Everton look like they will keep the defender for another season, it is believed that Branthwaite could be persuaded by Champions League football, which Chelsea, Tottenham and Newcastle can all offer him next season.
David Moyes is happy with his defensive options as it stands, but with a budget of up to £100m there is a chance Everton will look to sign another player to boost their options at the back.
Everton will sign Maxime Esteve if Jarrad Branthwaite leaves
Everton have no clear intention of selling Branthwaite this summer, but it is not completely confirmed that he will stay, so Moyes must look at alternatives if the worst does occur.
One player who is on the Toffees’ radar is Burnley ace Maxime Esteve, who is coming off the back of a brilliant season in the Championship.
Esteve was linked to Everton after the January transfer window and has seemingly always been one of the top options to replace Branthwaite if he were to move elsewhere.
Moyes watched Esteve at Turf Moor in March, a clear sign that the Scot is eager to bring the 23-year-old to the Hill Dickinson Stadium. It is believed that Esteve would cost Everton around £30m, a fee they should be able to afford.