Centre-back is going to be a priority for Chelsea this summer, and it seems plans are already being put in place to solve that, with the Blues eyeing ‘the best defender outside Europe’s top-five leagues’.
As things stand, Chelsea have 10 options at centre-back, including Axel Disasi and Aaron Anselmino, who are on loan. Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana have been the pick for much of Liam Rosenior’s reign.
But Chalobah has joined Benoit Badiashile and Levi Colwill on the sidelines with an injury. Warming the bench is Tosin Adarabioyo and Mamadou Sarr, while Jorrel Hato and Josh Acheampong can play centrally.
One of many problems on the pitch at the moment 🤦♂️
Chelsea's Wesley Fofana
Photo by Chelsea Football Club/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Yet, Chelsea need an addition or two. Plenty will be told they have to leave the Blues this summer, with better quality and experience needed. Chelsea are currently the fifth-worst at defending from crosses.
Chelsea’s search for new additions has seen them linked with Strahinja Pavlovic, Mario Gila and plenty of other central defenders. Marcos Senesi has been ruled out, but now a new name is on their radar.
Chelsea eye Sporting Lisbon star Goncalo Inacio
Ahead of the January 2024 window, Chelsea were linked with Sporting’s defensive rock Goncalo Inacio. Now, two years on, the Blues are back in for the Portugal star after he surpassed 250 Sporting outings.
Sporting Clube de Portugal v Arsenal FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final First Leg
Photo by Alex Pantling – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
According to Spanish newspaper AS, Chelsea are rivalling Liverpool, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Barcelona in pursuit of the 20-time Portugal defender, who has a deal with his boyhood club until 2030.
But within that deal is a bargain release clause, worth just £52m. According to AS, Inacio is the best defender still yet to reach Europe’s top-five leagues but that is expected to change come the summer.
Renowned for his passing, left-footed Inacio is in the top bracket of defenders for transitional passing and yet, has maintained a success rate north of 90% this season. He has registered three assists, as well.
Chelsea have an excellent, ongoing relationship with Sporting
As things stand, of the five clubs interested in Inacio, Chelsea look set to be the only side without the lure of Champions League football next season. That is likely to play a major role in Inacio’s stance on Chelsea.
Chelsea without Reece James, discuss…
Malo Gusto and Jeremy Doku
Photo by Alex Livesey – Danehouse/Getty Images
But if something else could play into Chelsea’s favour, it is the relationship the Blues have with Sporting. Indeed, Geovany Quenda remains on loan at Sporting, while Dario Essugo was signed from the giants.
Not only that, but Chelsea are also interested in signing left-back Maxi Araujo after his performances in the Champions League against Arsenal. The connection between Chelsea and Sporting remains strong.
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