Chelsea could make a move for Jarrad Branthwaite in the next transfer window, but the defender will not come cheap.
Chelsea were linked with Branthwaite last year, but they never actually made an official bid for the centre-back.
The Marc Guehi ship has sailed… Any experienced alternatives that come to mind ahead of this summer?
Antonio Rudiger? Ibrahima Konate? Marcos Senesi? 👀
Marc Guehi of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester City
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
That is likely down to Branthwaite’s alleged price tag, which most teams would be reluctant to pay.
Nicolas Jackson of Chelsea is challenged by Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton
Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images
Chelsea back in for Jarrad Branthwaite after initially baulking at £90m price tag
Journalist Simon Phillips has claimed on Si Phillips Talks Chelsea that the Blues have revived their interest in Branthwaite after trying to sign him in the past.
According to Phillips, Chelsea were keen on Branthwaite in the previous summer transfer window but backed off after Everton demanded around £90m for him.
However, it appears that the Club World Cup winners are still considering him ahead of the market opening again.
Liam Rosenior would love to have Branthwaite as an option right now, with the Chelsea boss set to be without Wesley Fofana this weekend.
Fofana is suspended after receiving a red card during Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Burnley. Instead of Branthwaite, Rosenior will have to turn to Benoit Badiashile, Tosin Adarabioyo, Mamadou Sarr or Josh Acheampong.
Who starts in place of Wesley Fofana against Arsenal?🤔
Wesley Fofana's replacement after Chelsea red card
Photo by Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton during the Premier League match between Fulham and Everton
Photo by Izzy Poles – AMA/Getty Images
How Jarrad Branthwaite performed last season
Branthwaite has missed most of the 2025/26 campaign because of injury, but he was a very important player for Everton last term.
In total, the 23-year-old made 30 appearances in the Premier League and was one of the best defenders in the Toffees’ squad.
According to WhoScored, Branthwaite made 6.3 clearances per game. No player at Goodison Park had a higher average.
Branthwaite also won 2.1 aerial duels per game, which was one of the higher averages in the squad.
All in all, the England international is a good defender and has proven that in the Premier League. However, he is definitely not a £90m defender, and Chelsea were wise not to pay that kind of money for him last summer.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox