If Chelsea are to miss out on Josko Gvardiol, which is a deal that has gone from being a surprising one horse race to the early frontrunners now trying to keep up, then their need for a new centre-back only increases.
Despite signing Kalidou Koulibaly and Wesley Fofana over the summer, Thiago Silva is 38 and yet to commit to another year despite being the best in his position at the club and Cesar Azpilicueta has been struggling for over a year now and may well leave before 2024.
Although Trevoh Chalobah has been impressive once more and signed a new long-term deal just months after nearly leaving and Levi Colwill will be waiting in the wings after his loan from Brighton, Chelsea's wayward transfer planning has left them chasing their tail around the back once again.
