Photo by Matt Watson/Southampton FC via Getty Images
Photo by Matt Watson/Southampton FC via Getty Images
Chelsea and Xabi Alonso are keen to offload as many centre-backs as they can before the summer deadline, but Southampton are about to throw a spanner in the works.
The signing of Maxence Lacroix left Chelsea with 11 senior centre-backs at one point, until the sale of Trevoh Chalobah to Como. The England defender has joined for a £25m fee, plus £5m more in add-ons.
Lacroix joins a list of defenders that includes Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, Axel Disasi, Josh Acheampong, Jorrel Hato, Aaron Anselmino, Tosin and Mamadou Sarr. Alonso wants four or five.
Colwill and Lacroix are set to start, while Fofana and Acheampong are likely to be kept. That leaves a gap for a fifth defender, but the rest are likely to be sold in the coming weeks. But one suitor has fallen away.
Tosin Adarabioyo’s chances of a reunion have come to an end
Earlier this week, it was claimed that experienced defender Tosin was a target for Benfica. A reunion was on the cards between Tosin and his former Fulham boss Marco Silva, who has taken over at Benfica.
Western Sydney Wanderers v Chelsea FC: Sydney Super Cup
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However, as soon as those reports emerged, they came to a halt. That is because Benfica are now closing in on the signing of England international Taylor Harwood-Bellis from Southampton, as per Record.pt.
Benfica have filled the void at centre-back left by Portugal defender Antonio Silva, who has completed a move to Bournemouth. Tosin was eyed by Benfica and Silva, but they have signed Harwood-Bellis instead.
Xabi Alonso may have to consider keeping Tosin as no.5
His direct quote was four or five centre-backs, when asked how many he’d like in his squad. There is no doubt that Colwill and Lacroix will be two, while Fofana is arguably the third-best in the Chelsea squad.
Tosin Adarabioyo breaks two Chelsea season records vs Wrexham
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Anselmino looked good until he picked up an injury against JDT, so for now, the Argentine will have to remain. Hato will provide competition at left-back for Pep Chavarria, who has finally been announced.
Chelsea have made Acheampong an ‘untouchable’ and ruled out a sale, but a loan remains a possibility. Chelsea want to raise funds, however, and would rather sell another than loan out Acheampong.
Tosin, Sarr, Badiashile and Disasi are the ones Chelsea want to move on. But Tosin has only had one real suitor this summer in Benfica, and now, their interest is likely to cool. A blow for Alonso and his plans.