Chelsea are looking to sign a defender but are not expected to move for Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite according to Ben Jacobs.
The Blues are set for another busy summer and have already completed the £30m signing of Liam Delap from Ipswich.
Chelsea could add another striker, but they are also looking for a centre back and right footed attacker to bolster Enzo Maresca’s options.
Chelsea not expected to move for Jarrad Branthwaite
There’s set to be movement at centre back and the likes of Renato Veiga, Benoit Badiashile and Axel Disasi are all candidates to leave.
Trevoh Chalobah is attracting interest from Napoli, but Chelsea aren’t believed to be looking to actively sell the 25-year-old.
Dean Huijsen was identified as Chelsea’s main target, but the 20-year-old opted to join Spanish giants Real Madrid.
Jarrad Branthwaite battles for possession against West Ham.
Chelsea aren’t expected to make a move for Jarrad Branthwaite. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Chelsea have been linked with the likes of Marc Guehi and Jarrad Branthwaite but no official approaches have been made, and Jacobs has now provided an update on the situation.
He took to X.com and said:
“Jorrel Hato remains a player of interest to Chelsea. Appeal is in his ability to play left-back and centre-back.
“Chelsea exploring defenders, but not expected to move for Jarrad Branthwaite, despite links.”
It had been reported Chelsea were considering an approach for Branthwaite, who was valued at around £70m last summer with Manchester United having multiple bids rejected.
Hato to provide back-up for Cucurella
Chelsea are said to have already held initial conversations with Ajax over a move for Hato who can play at both left back and centre back.
The Blues lack any alternative to Cucurella and would have a major issue if the Spain international picked up an injury.
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Lee Carsley speaks about Liam Delap.
A flag flies at Stamford Bridge.
Romeo Lavia's legs. (Photo by Ryan Hiscott/Getty Images)
Hato despite being only 19 has made 111 appearances for Ajax and is already a full Dutch international, but Chelsea will need to act fast as it’s thought Liverpool are also interested.
It’s rumoured Hato is valued at around €55m and he would make a great signing for the Blues and appears to be a perfect fit for Maresca’s system.