Chelsea have decided that they will sign a Premier League-proven central defender to partner main transfer priority Jules Kounde in the defence for 2022/23, according to reports, as Josko Gvardiol and Kalidou Koulibaly amongst others learn their fate.
Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen's Chelsea departures have already been confirmed with Romelu Lukaku set to follow the pair out of the door at Stamford Bridge. With an £8million Inter Milan loan return set to be sealed, attention will turn to incoming players with the likes of Raheem Sterling and Kounde most prominent on the list. Todd Boehly will have to mull over how much needs to be spent on the backline with £200million set to be available this summer.
Of course, the Blues still have a battle on their hands for Kounde with Barcelona also hoping to sign the French international in spite of their financial woes. However, it is understood that Chelsea are still the overwhelming favourites to land the 23-year-old with more progression on the deal expected in the next week, if the latest reports in the European media are to be believed.
