Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has publicly stated his desire to sign another defender. Will he get his wish before the summer transfer window closes shut on 1 September, though?
It is quite evident that Chelsea are struggling in the heart of defence, with Levi Colwill, Benoit Badiashile and Tosin Adarabioyo sidelined through injury at the start of the new season.
Last week, Blues head coach Enzo Maresca claimed Chelsea need to sign another central defender.
Chelsea youngster Josh Acheampong stepped in superbly well at centre-back in Sunday’s 0-0 draw at home to Crystal Palace, partnering Trevoh Chalobah to help keep a clean sheet.
However, it is no major surprise that Maresca wants a solution because Colwill is set for a long spell out of action with his ACL injury.
Enzo Maresca applauds after Chelsea v AC Milan - Pre-Season Friendly
Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images
Chelsea consider bid for Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie
According to GiveMeSport, Chelsea are weighing up submitting an offer late in the summer transfer window for Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie.
It is explained that the Blues are considering a bid for the 23-year-old defender. However, Tottenham admire the Ecuador international, plus Atletico Madrid are long-term suitors.
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The report explains that German Bundesliga club Leverkusen don’t want to lose Hincapie, but he’s got a £52m release clause in his current deal.
Let’s wait and see if Chelsea decide to ramp up their interest in the Spurs target. The early signs are that Spurs will be a much stronger side under Thomas Frank in the 2025/26 season, so getting one over on them here could be a smart play.
Thomas Frank as the Brentford manager against Chelsea in the Premier League.
Photo by Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images
It’s been previously reported that Chelsea do admire Hincapie after coming up against him in a pre-season friendly this summer.
On paper, the left-footed central defender looks like he could be a natural cover for Colwill. It’s perhaps worth the Blues asking Moises Caicedo for more detail about his international teammate.
Piero Hincapie of Bayer 04 Leverkusen during UEFA Champions League match
Photo by Rico Brouwer/Soccrates/Getty Images
Bayer Leverkusen view Piero Hincapie as a pivotal figure
Journalist Fabrizio Romano reports via X that Leverkusen value Hincapie as a ‘key’ player for them.
🚨🔴⚫️ Despite Premier League clubs’ appreciation, Bayer Leverkusen see Piero Hincapié as key part of the project.
No intention to sell the Ecuadorian defender this summer, seen as crucial player by Erik ten Hag. pic.twitter.com/YnlWBtuJ9k
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 18, 2025
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However, they are definitely vulnerable because of his £52m release clause.
If Chelsea decide the South American centre-half is the right profile for them, they should accelerate their interest to fend off competition from Spurs and Atletico.
A couple of years ago Hincapie was labelled one of the world’s most valuable defenders, so he could be a potential coup at just over £50m.