Chelsea
Mick Brown
Sun 25 May 2025 21:30, UK
Chelsea are planning to strengthen in defence as a priority ahead of the summer window after watching elite teams across Europe.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Enzo Maresca has made a new defender and leader his top priority.
Chelsea will look for defenders in the style of PSG star Marquinhos, who Maresca feels sets the standard of top-class defending and leadership in Europe.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider on 24 May that Chelsea want to sign Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi if they qualify for the Champions League.
The Eagles’ captain and England international fits the style of player the boss wants to land, but is one of a number of big-name players on their shortlist.
Meanwhile, Brown told Football Insider Chelsea have considered signing Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton, but have concerns about his lofty price tag.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca
Enzo Maresca is making big plans at Chelsea. (Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)
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Chelsea target new centre-back after watching PSG
Brown told Football Insider in February that Chelsea want to sign the next John Terry as they are determined to assess their lack of defensive stability.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that the Blues want to take inspiration from the top teams in Europe.
“Chelsea are determined to strengthen at the back,” he told Football Insider.
“They’ve looked at the top teams in Europe and seen what they’ve got, and they’re all built on reliable and strong defensive units.
“Look at PSG, for example, somebody like Marquinhos.
“He looks like a midfielder playing at the back, he’s so composed and calm in possession.
“When they step up to the highest level, the Champions League, he steps up his displays.
“He’s not one of these six-foot-four powerhouse defenders, but he doesn’t half do the job.
“He wins his challenges, he’s intelligent out of possession and reads the game well, he’s a leader at the back and he sets the standard for what you want in a top defender.
“Paris Saint-Germain know what they’ve got an how important he is to them.
“So Chelsea have looked at them, and that’s the type of player and influence they want at the back.
“They want the stability a player like him brings where you don’t have to worry because you know he’ll do the job for you.
“They don’t have that at the moment but they’re working on it, that’s why they’re looking at people like Marc Guehi who do a similar job.”
Joao Pedro playing for Brighton
Joao Pedro has been linked with a move to Chelsea. (Credit: Imago)
Joao Pedro update emerges after Brighton exit latest
A new defender is not the only target on the Blues’ radar this summer, with Brighton forward Joao Pedro also emerging as an option for Maresca’s side.
Brown told Football Insider that the Brighton star Pedro wants to join Chelsea as he is aiming to make the step up to a bigger team this summer.
However, Chelsea have doubts about his ability to provide a consistent source of goals and whether he is the right man to lead the line for them.
Football Insider revealed on 18 May that Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal want to sign Pedro as the Seagulls will demand around £70million for his signature.
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