Wesley Fofana and two other centre-backs Chelsea could sign amid Jules Koundé transfer blow
Chelsea look set to miss out on Jules Koundé, but they have other options.
It was expected the Blues would close a deal for Koundé a year after they saw their initial
bid for the defender rejected.
But Barcelona, like with Raphinha, hijacked the move amid a financial boost, and the Catalan
giants are now set to complete a £46million move after agreeing a fee with Sevilla.
It’s a blow for Chelsea, who need another centre-back amid the departures of Antonio
Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.
The Blues have snapped up Kalidou Koulibaly, but they need another, and here we look at
three potential alternatives:
Wesley Fofana
The latest reports claim Leicester centre-back Fofana could be of interest to Chelsea.
Fofana joined Leicester two years ago from AS Saint-Etienne for a fee worth just under
£30million, and he has made 35 Premier League appearances since, missing much of last season
through injury.
The centre-back impressed during his first season with the Foxes, though, and still only
21 years of age, he is an attractive prospect.
The big issue is that he is tied down until 2027, meaning the Foxes will likely demand
a big fee, especially this close to the season when Leicester would be left short of a key
starter.
Presnel Kimpembe
Another name being mentioned is Kimpembe.
The PSG centre-back has attracted plenty of interest this summer, though PSG are said
to value him as highly as £55million.
Kimpembe played 30 of PSG’s 38 Ligue 1 games last season and impressed throughout the campaign.
PSG were said to be open to selling Kimpembe this summer, though The Sun reporting he could
now be set to stay, deciding he does not want to leave this summer.
Pau Torres
A player everyone expected to move on this summer is Villarreal star Torres.
The left-sided centre-back was the subject of an offer from Tottenham last summer, which
was accepted, but he decided to stay to play for his hometown club in the Champions League.
Spurs could yet turn to Torres
It proved a fine decision, with Torres helping Villarreal to reach the semi-finals for only
the second time in their history.
Torres will be allowed to go for a reasonable price this summer as a reward for his efforts.
But Tottenham or Manchester United are yet to make a move.
Chelsea could step in to secure one of Spain’s starting centre-backs, and they could well
get him for less than £50million.
Along with Koundé, Torres is one of the most highly-rated La Liga centre-backs.