‘I’ve heard…’ – Chelsea working on deal to sign ‘one of the best centre-backs in Europe’ as transfer plan revealed
Chelsea are facing ongoing questions about the strength of their squad after what has been a mixed start to the season at Stamford Bridge.
Enzo Maresca‘s side beat Liverpool 2-1 at Stamford Bridge on 4 October to lift them to seventh in the league, but questions about their defensive issues remain.
As a result, Football Insider revealed on 29 September that Chelsea are working to sign a new centre-back, with the position becoming a priority for Maresca.
Levi Colwill‘s injury at the start of the season had raised concerns about the lack of cover, before Tosin Adarabioyo and Wesley Fofana were also dealt blows.
On top of the fitness issues, some inconsistent displays from the likes of Trevoh Chalobah have forced Chelsea to consider their options in the transfer market.
Chelsea sets sights on agreeing Nico Schlotterbeck deal
Nico Schlotterbeck has emerged as a key target for the Blues recently, with his current contract set to expire in 2027, meaning he could soon become available.
That is according to former Man United and Sunderland chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Borussia Dortmund could cash in on the centre-back in 2026.
While the German club are expected to be reluctant to lose their star man, interest from Chelsea could tempt him into a move to the Premier League.
“Schlotterbeck is somebody I’ve seen a fair bit of,” he told Football Insider.
“At first I had a few concerns about his lack of pace, but he has got better and better and turned himself into a very capable defender.
“He’s a dominant centre-back, a regular for Germany, and a very defensive option who likes to win tackles, win headers and take charge of the back line.
“I think he’s exactly the type of player Chelsea need, because I’ve heard they’ve been having a look at him.
“They need to improve in defence because their current options aren’t good enough, it’s harsh but I think that’s been proven already this season.
“He would certainly be an improvement on what they’ve got at the moment, and it might not be easy to get him because Dortmund won’t want to lose him, but he’s somebody they seem to have identified who could improve their defence.
“If they’ve done the work and done their due diligence, I can see them making a move for him.”
Former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann labelled Schlotterbeck “one of the best centre-backs… not just in Germany, but in all of Europe” after a display against Newcastle in 2023. [BVB Buzz]
Chelsea prioritising new signings at centre-back
Football Insider revealed during the summer that Dortmund are in talks with Schlotterbeck to extend his stay and deter interest from elsewhere.
However, he has so far failed to put pen to paper with those contract talks delaying amid the growing interest, and Barcelona have also heavily linked with a move.
Brown told Football Insider on 22 September that Chelsea have “no chance” of competing with Arsenal and Liverpool as a result of their ongoing defensive issues.
Those claims were echoed as Jamie Carragher insisted Chelsea won’t challenge for the title this season as their centre-backs and goalkeeper are not good enough.
If they are unable to stabilise their recent defensive woes, the blame could shift away from the players and on to the manager’s tactics and organisation.
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