Chelsea are interested in a move for Al-Nassr defender Aymeric Laporte, with the Blues eager to bolster their rearguard, according to Nico Rodriguez.
The West Londoners are in the market for a left-sided defender and have Laporte on their radar.
However, they are not alone. He also has offers from Manchester United, Fenerbahce, Galatasaray and Napoli.
Chelsea have been linked with centre-halves like Dean Huijsen, Jorrel Hato, Marc Guehi, and Jarrad Branthwaite. Laporte is a new addition to the shortlist.
Levi Colwill is an undisputed starter in the left centre-half position, but Chelsea want a capable deputy with Benoit Badiashile blowing hot and cold.
Laporte fits the bill if he can fit into the Chelsea wage structure.
Chelsea fans want leaders in the rearguard. Laporte, with his Premier League and international experience, would provide the Blues with that extra authoritative presence.
It remains unclear if Chelsea will go ahead with a swoop for the former Manchester City defender, but a move has its merits.
The Chelsea defence could do without additions – View
For all the talk about Chelsea needing defensive reinforcement, the team showed massive improvement at the back, especially in the second half of the season.
The Blues had the third-best defensive record in the Premier League, shipping 43 goals, and only four teams conceded less xG.
They kept three clean sheets in their final five matches to seal UEFA Champions League football when many did not give them a chance.
The team showed new defensive resilience and a coming of age.
Man Utd need to sign Calafiori, he’s better than Branthwaite
Trending
Man Utd need to sign Calafiori, he’s better than Branthwaite
Trevoh Chalobah stepped up in the absence of Wesley Fofana and helped the Blues stay defensively resilient.
Tosin Adarabioyo also played a key role. The Blues do not necessarily need another defender.
Returning Renato Veiga should get a slot in the roster and would make the team even more formidable.
Veiga can also cover for Marc Cucurella at left-back, allowing the club to ship Badiashile, Fofana, and Axel Disasi off the books.
The Blues do not need to enter the market. They should consider a world-class option if any becomes available on the transfer market, but Laporte might be past it.