Xabi Alonso has so much to do. The new gaffer has to sort out the army of players Chelsea currently have and centre-back is one area requiring an overhaul – with an Atletico Madrid player now targeted.
Going into the summer, Chelsea currently have 10 senior options at centre-back on the books. Axel Disasi and Aaron Anselmino will return from loans at West Ham and Strasbourg ahead of pre-season training.
Meanwhile, Chelsea currently have eight centre-backs available to them. Levi Colwill is back, while Wesley Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah have competed for a place with teenage defender Jorrel Hato recently.
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Tosin Adarabioyo is warming the bench alongside Josh Acheampong, while Mamadou Sarr and Benoit Badiashile struggled to get in the squad in the last few months. McFarlane highlighted the issue.
Alonso has got to wield his axe and reduce that number, especially with no European football next season. But there is also the need for improvement and an Atletico Madrid star could be the answer.
Chelsea are monitoring Atletico Madrid’s Marc Pubill
With Badiashile and Sarr failing to get in the squad towards the end of the season, the chances are they will be moved on. Anselmino might be ideal for Alonso, but Disasi does not have a future at Chelsea.
Chalobah, Tosin, Fofana and even Acheampong have all been linked with moves away from Stamford Bridge. So, it comes as no surprise that Alonso has a few targets and one of those is Atleti’s Marc Pubill.
Marc Pubill of Atletico de Madrid in action
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The Spain international has become one of the best central defenders in La Liga after moving inside from full-back. His form has been so good that Spain have decided to include him in their World Cup squad.
Caught Offside say Chelsea want to sign Pubill along with Man United and Liverpool, while PSG and Bayern are also interested. Without Europe, Chelsea’s chances feel minimal, even with Alonso.
Pubill is not the first Atletico Madrid star to be linked with a move to Chelsea ahead of the summer, with striker Julian Alvarez now expected to move to the Nou Camp. Joao Pedro is staying put at Chelsea.
Marc Pubill could have an enormous £433m release clause
Pubill is one of Spain’s next gems and his form this season has been superb under Diego Simeone. Atleti, for that reason, will not want him to leave and certainly won’t be allowing him to go on the cheap.
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Indeed, Spanish newspaper AS say Atleti are planning to extend his contract by including a big pay rise and a whopping release clause worth £433m. Pubill might well accept given to repay Simeone’s faith.
Yet, a move to England and a realistic chance of silverware might prove more tempting. Pubill would start week in, week out for Chelsea alongside Colwill if signed, after Chelsea opted against Ibrahima Konate.
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