Chelsea looking at new centre backs

Transfer Insider Dan McCarthy provides the latest on Chelsea's pursuit of a new centre back signing

A plethora of talent in the central defence department have been linked with Chelsea in recent weeks, I take a deeper look here on those reports, and how likely those deals are to happen.

Dayot Upamecano: 

It is no secret at this point that Chelsea are interested in the RB Leipzig centre back, as confirmed by ourselves and other credited sources. Upamecano has been extensively scouted by the club, with the ‘lower’ release clause in his contract believed to be around £38 million, being a strong appeal.

The update on this situation, from my previous articles on this player, is that interest in high from Chelsea’s side, and that a bid could go in to sign the player when possible.

However, Chelsea will face a stern battle from German giants Bayern Munich for the signature of the French defender, which only makes this deal tougher. Upamecano is currently playing in the Bundesliga, plus Munich’s transfer/business operations are pretty efficient, Chelsea will need to be cute in their approach.

Verdict: Chelsea’s interest in the player is concrete, they will pursue the deal as long as the player has interest in coming to London. Nevertheless, Bayern Munich and many other top clubs have solidified interest, which means a battle for his signature will be forthcoming. I make Bayern favourites for now. To Happen: 5/10

Niklas Sule:

The latest name in the Chelsea rumour mill is Bayern Munich’s Niklas Sule. Fresh reports have surfaced recently that Chelsea have renewed their interest in the German defender.

You may have noticed I said Chelsea have ‘renewed’ their interest, as this isn’t the first time the West London club have been linked with Sule, which paints a story in itself.

When I was first approached about this, my first thoughts were “This isn’t the first time we’ve heard this, this may have legs.”

With questions asked and updates provided, it appears the club are monitoring Sule’s situation, with Bayern Munich clearly in the market for a new centre back, plus Sule having recent episodes of injury worries. Other rumours have surfaced in the form of a “Gentleman’s agreement” between Chelsea and Bayern with Upamecano involved, which personally I find hard to believe.

Verdict: This one certainly has a long way to go, and is very early days. The links are easy to make due to previous links of this nature between Chelsea and Sule, plus the German connection between Sule and Thomas Tuchel. Nevertheless, one to keep an eye on for now. To Happen: 5/10

David Alaba:

Guess who’s back, back again. The rumours of Chelsea “hijacking” a deal for the Austrian defender are circulating as of now, in turn with Tuchel’s apparent admiration for the player, added with the apparent stalling of his deal to Real Madrid.

Our good friend Fabrizio Romano, who is close to this situation, last update on January 19th was “the pre contract was agreed, and would be signed in the coming weeks. His dream is to play for Real Madrid.”

However, since this tweet in the past week or two, rumours are Chelsea are increasing their pursuit in the player to convince him he has a place in Tuchel’s new project, plus an opportunity to play in the Premier League.

Verdict: For me, I still personally don’t see this one happening. As reported, his dream is to play for Real Madrid, I don’t see Alaba changing his mind on this. To Happen: 4/10

José Gimenéz:

Another transfer window, another huge name linked to Chelsea Football Club. If there’s a club that knows how to defend, it’s Atletico Madrid.

Jose Gimenez, the 6”1 defender from Toledo, Uruguay, has been a mainstay in the resolute Atleti defence for the best part of seven years.

A physical presence, accompanied by significant comfortability on the ball, Gimenéz provides a desirable all-round package for the modern-day centre back. 

Nevertheless, whilst the club are a fan of the player, they probably aren’t a fan of the £80m reported release clause in Gimenéz’s current contract.

Verdict: A confirmed target for the club. However, I do feel the release clause may provide a problem for Chelsea. Atletico are tough negotiators and won’t want to lose the player either. To Happen: 4/10

Boubacar Kamara:

The latest young prodigy for the European giants to keep an eye on is the 21-year old, Boubacar Kamara. As revealed by Simon in his own article previously, Kamara has been closely followed by Chelsea scouts for a good few years now and they have had various discussions with Marseille over potentially signing him.

Chelsea have increased their interest in this player more recently, primarily due to the fact Chelsea are considering him as a potential centre back option, as well as a defensive midfielder, which is a much warranted position to fill for Chelsea.

When you combine this with the recent troubles Marseille are having behind the scenes, a deal could be forthcoming. Also, Kamara has said before his desire is to play in the Champions League as soon and frequently as possible.

Verdict: An interesting option indeed for Chelsea. A lot will depend on Thomas Tuchel’s views of the player, when discussions on Chelsea’s summer transfer policy begin at the end of February/March time. Interest is there, nevertheless, Chelsea have scouted many options. To Happen: 5/10

Other potential options:  You can also find more on potential centre back options here. Update: Interest in Brighton’s Ben White and West Ham’s Declan Rice has dropped in recent weeks.

Written by Dan McCarthy - @MaccaSport