Chelsea are planning a surprise move to sign AC Milan centre-back Strahinja Pavlovic this summer with the Blues already preparing an offer – and the Serbian ace is just what Liam Rosenior needs.
Whether Rosenior is given a chance to lead Chelsea into the 2026-27 season remains to be seen. But if he is given that opportunity, his main priorities this summer will be a goalkeeper and a new centre-back.
Since taking over from Enzo Maresca, Rosenior has constantly rotated at centre-back. Tosin Aadarabioyo, Trevoh Chalobah, Jorrel Hato, Wesley Fofana and Josh Acheampong have all been used in the back line.
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Mamadou Sarr has returned and even he has failed to provide the answer for Rosenior. Chelsea keep conceding soft goals and a giant centre-back is just what the Blues need. Pavlovic can be the solution.
Strahinja Pavlovic’s stats prove he is perfect for Chelsea
One criticism levelled at Chelsea’s centre-backs is that they are too lightweight. Focused more on what they do with the ball than without it. Fofana was second best to everything against Beto on Saturday.
Well, Pavlovic is more of a throwback to an old-school centre-back. He is very comfortable in possession, but the 24-year-old Serb is superb in the air, winning 54.4% of his Serie A duels for Milan this season.
Joao Felix celebrates scoring for AC Milan
Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images
That is a lot higher than the average among Chelsea’s centre-backs in the Premier League, which is well below 50%. Pavlovic’s recovery pace is excellent, while winning an average of 2.45 aerial duels per game.
He has also made 88 clearances – not only does Pavlovic defend his goal, but he also clears the danger. Chelsea need a leader, an old-school defender-first-type centre-back, and Pavlovic is the perfect signing.
Pavlovic is also the perfect fit for Liam Rosenior
Rosenior likes to play from deep; he likes his goalkeeper to be involved in the build-up and beat an opposition press to leave gaps in behind. Well, Pavlovic has this in his locker; his passing is superb.
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Pavlovic is Serie A’s fourth-best defender when it comes to successful passes into the final third, a total of 167 this term. Chelsea would add steel at the back, aerial durability, and an attacking platform in Pavlovic.
Reports claim Chelsea are willing to offer £35m for the 52-time Serbia star and if they manage to secure his signature, it would be a stunning addition. Milan, unsurprisingly, are reluctant to Pavlovic’s sale.
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