Chelsea’s pre-season has been tainted by a massive loss. Centre-half Levi Colwill has been absent for most of the season after an ACL surgery. His absence has forced the team to move fast in the transfer market. Chelsea are reportedly targeting the services of Barcelona player Ronald Araujo and are willing to offer up to €50 million for the Uruguayan centre-half.
Colwill’s Injury Leaves a Big Gap
Last year, Levi Colwill was Chelsea’s primary defender. His ball control and good defensive skills made him an important part of the team. However, after suffering a serious knee injury, Colwill needed surgery. And because of this he will now miss a significant chunk of games. He might miss the entire season.
Head coach Enzo Maresca has admitted that losing Colwill is a major setback. With the Premier League campaign being so long and demanding, Chelsea can ill afford to be without a decent cover for him in the centre of defence.
🚨 Chelsea are considering a move for Ronald Araújo after losing Levi Colwill to an ACL injury.
Barcelona would entertain offers of around €50M.
(Source: Fichajes) pic.twitter.com/ZoXo1yj37G
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) August 9, 2025
Available Options for Chelsea
The Blues has already brought in Ajax youngster Jorrel Hato, a highly rated young defender. But at just 18, he may not yet be ready to feature on a regular basis in the Premier League.
Other names in the squad are Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, and Trevoh Chalobah. They all have defensive capabilities but form and injury have been the issue in the past. There is a gap left by Colwill, which Chelsea are looking to fill with someone proven at the highest level.
Araujo Tops the Wishlist
Barcelona central defender Ronald Araujo is one of Chelsea’s target. At 26, Araujo has a blend of speed, strength, and leadership quality that would be ideal for Maresca’s game. He is also assured on the ball, which would enable Chelsea to implement their strategy of playing from the back.
Chelsea are also said to be ready to make a formal €50 million bid. Barcelona need money, and this may prompt them to sell—even if Araujo is a pillar in their backline.
Chelsea will not get it easy. Liverpool, Tottenham, and even Manchester United are said to be tracking Araujo’s situation. The player’s future could depend on whether Barcelona can lose him after having already lost Íñigo Martínez to Al-Nassr during the window.
Why This Transfer Makes Sense for Chelsea
Araujo would bring Chelsea’s backline immediate solidity. He is experienced enough to slot into the team without taking an extended settling period, and his style of play compensates for what the club lost in Colwill. At 26, he might also be a fixture in Chelsea’s backline for years to come.
For Maresca, the presence of a leader at the back is essential, especially in a team that has taken the last couple of years to rebuild. Araujo would light up the entire backline and give the team an added boost of confidence.
💥 Chelsea's wide options for 2025/26:
🔸 Pedro Neto (£54M)
🔸 Alejandro Garnacho (£40M+)
🔸 Cole Palmer (£42.5M)
🔸 Jamie Gittens (£52M)
🔸 Estevao Willian (£29M)
🔸 Joao Pedro (£55M)
💰 Total: £272.5M pic.twitter.com/m40IDkbzJp
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) August 8, 2025
The Road Ahead for Chelsea
For now, Araujo is the most viable option Chelsea have looked for to solve their defense problem. Talks might go quickly, but the outcome will be decided by negotiations with Barcelona and other clubs’ interest.
In the meantime, the Blues will be forced to turn to Hato, Fofana, Badiashile, and Chalobah to make up the defence. If there isn’t a transfer for Araujo in the near future, these players will need to rise to the challenge and show that they can deal with the pressure.
Author’s Note
Chelsea’s pursuit of Ronald Araujo is an example of how committed they are to staying competitive despite Colwill’s injury. Securing his services for €50 million would immediately solve their defensive problem, but only if they act fast. The weeks ahead will tell whether the club will be able to sign their man or not, or whether they have to place their trust in those at hand.
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