Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca.placeholder image
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca. | Getty Images
Chelsea may need to sign defensive reinforcements after Levi Colwill’s injury
Things are looking up at Chelsea as we approach the new season. The Club World Cup winners have shown their credentials against some of the best in Europe and the world and are ready to go one better next term.
Many have tipped the Blues to push last season’s top three further and potentially even mount a title challenge if Enzo Maresca’s plan for his second campaign at Stamford Bridge goes perfectly.
With just mere weeks remaining of the transfer window, Chelsea have uncovered a minor defensive injury crisis after Levi Colwill suffered an ACL injury in pre-season training.
Chelsea prepare stunning swoop for Ibrahima Konate
It would be a major show of intent if Chelsea were to take a key player from a top Premier League rival. Reported by Defensa Central in Spain, the Blues are preparing a €50million (£43m) bid for Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate ahead of long-standing admirers Real Madrid.
Konate is yet to agree on a new deal at Anfield and is out of contract next summer, so the Reds know that a sale may be necessary if it becomes clear that a new deal will not be signed by the Frenchman. Konate has been a top performer for Liverpool since signing from RB Leipzig in 2021, particularly coming into his own for Arne Slot’s title winners last season.
The report continues that Real Madrid view Konate as their ‘number one target’ as a new central defender, but the Spanish giants are hoping to hold out until next summer and sign him on a free transfer. Chelsea have seen the opportunity to sign a top player in his prime for a relatively low price, solving a key issue of their own in the process.
Could Konate be missing piece of Chelsea jigsaw?
It is well known that a lot of players have arrived through the door at Stamford Bridge under Todd Boehly, but yet concerns remain surrounding the Chelsea defence. Colwill is seen as a key part of the club’s future but has now found himself out of action for several months, while Fofana is injury-prone and Benoit Badiashile remains out, while he is often not trusted when he is available. Konate could be the perfect player to come in to play alongside Chalobah, while offering significant competition when Colwill returns.
If they can successfully land Konate, it could indicate that they are nearer than previously thought. The report continues that the Blues may be willing to increase their offer should Liverpool resist, such is their need for a new defender in this window. It remains to be seen if the Blues can make Liverpool a bid which is too good to turn down.
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