[Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent
Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent](https://www.footballinsider247.com/author/pete-o-rourke-transfer-correspondent)
Transfer Correspondent AUTHORITY Former Sky Sports and ESPN FC correspondent who specialises in global recruitment, contract negotiations, and high-velocity transfer breaking news. FOCUS Exclusive reporting, domestic and international transfer markets, and elite-level insights. THE INSIGHT Pete utilises a Global Network of Industry Sources to deliver verified, first-to-market reporting. His “Deep-Lens” analysis connects the dots between boardroom strategy and pitch-level recruitment, providing a level of transfer clarity that goes beyond surface-level rumours.
He earned a first call-up to the England squad in over two years last month and looks to be back to his best after an injury-hit 2025-26 campaign.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Chelsea are among his biggest admirers but face competition to sign the 24-year-old from Man United and top clubs overseas.
The Blues are set to enter the market for another centre-back addition in 2027 and could target Branthwaite to bolster Xabi Alonso's side.
Jarrad Branthwaite on Chelsea's radar amid strong Everton form
Branthwaite has been a mainstay for Everton this season and they boast one of the best defensive records in the Premier League so far.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "Chelsea are another club that could look to strengthen defensively soon, and I'm sure they are interested in him.
"Clubs from abroad may also like Branthwaite if he does become available at Everton, which at the minute he is not. Everton are planning to keep Branthwaite for as long as they possibly can because he is an amazing player for them."
Chelsea legend has urged the club to sign Branthwaite
Branthwaite has been targeted by Chelsea in the past, while Man United tried to sign him in 2025 but saw two separate bids worth £35million and £40m rejected by the Toffees.
Chelsea legend and former Everton striker, Pat Nevin, has previously made it clear that he thinks the 24-year-old would be ideal for the Stamford Bridge club.
Speaking last year, he said: "I love Everton, it was the team I played for a long time. I've got real feelings for Chelsea, obviously. I think Chelsea should get Jarrad Branthwaite in.
“I think that he's the right age and he's an absolute top-class player. I think anyone would take him, I've said that for years now, Branthwaite's absolutely incredible. He ticks every single box for Chelsea."