Despite taking the lead, Chelsea lost 2-1 to Aston Villa in the Premier League over the weekend.
Enzo Maresca tried to explain the defeat, stating that a lack of game management is a weakness for his side right now. The Chelsea manager also suggested that not having too many experienced players in the squad is contributing to that.
Since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital took over Chelsea, the club have mostly signed young footballers.
SCENARIO: You are one of Chelsea’s sporting directors and Todd Boehly has given you £60m to spend in January. Who are you signing?
Your potential shortlist could include:
Kobbie Mainoo
Mike Maignan
Marc Guehi
Todd Boehly and Paul Winstanley during Chelsea and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge.
Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images
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However, they could be a bit more flexible next summer, or at least in one position.
Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali shake hands during Chelsea v Crystal Palace - Premier League
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Chelsea keen on signing experienced centre-back
Central defence is an area of Chelsea’s squad that really lacks experience. At 28, Tosin Adarabioyo is their most senior option, but he is not a starter.
In fact, the former Fulham man has not played in the Premier League since his disappointing performance against Leeds United. Adarabioyo made a costly mistake that night as Chelsea went on to lose 3-1.
Ultimately, centre-back is a position that the Blues may need to strengthen, and it looks like they are giving serious consideration to doing so.
Chelsea need to make room before they can sign another centre-back. Who are you getting rid of?
Levi Colwill is definitely untouchable ❌
Chelsea’s list of first-team centre-backs
Levi Colwill
Wesley Fofana
Trevoh Chalobah
Benoit Badiashile
Tosin Adarabioyo
Josh Acheampong
Trevoh Chalobah of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team's goal with teammate Wesley Fofana
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According to The Standard, Chelsea are keen to sign an experienced centre-half in the summer.
That could be bad news for Adarabioyo and Benoit Badiashile, who are already competing against Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana for a spot in the team.
Tosin Adarabioyo for Chelsea vs Leeds
Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP via Getty Images
The experienced centre-back Chelsea should consider signing
Before agreeing to join Porto, John Terry urged Chelsea to re-sign Thiago Silva. That option is no longer available, but the Blues could get the opportunity to snap up one of the Brazilian’s former teammates.
Two-time Champions League winner and ex-Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger will be a free agent next June.
In terms of experience, the Real Madrid man obviously ticks the box. If Chelsea are planning to bring in a seasoned central defender ahead of the 2026/27 season, they should be all over Rudiger.
If Maresca’s side had had someone like that in defence on Saturday, perhaps they would not have collapsed against Villa.
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