Chelsea Centre Back Update: Who Comes in and Who Goes Out?

There is expected to be quite an overhaul in the centre of defence at Chelsea in the summer transfer window. 

We know that last summer, Enzo Maresca publicly pleaded for a player in that position, after the ACL injury suffered by Levi Colwill, but he was instead given left winger Alejandro Garnacho. 

Now, in fairness, Xabi Alonso has the luxury of having Colwill available to him, and with a full pre season behind him, but it is still a serious injury that he is coming off. And the other players proved time and time again last season that they were not up to the task. 

So, it is clear, the club need a top class centre back who can partner Colwill. With the amount of defenders on the books, one or two may have to leave.

Well, two birds could be killed with one stone. Indeed so, as it being reported by Alex Crook that the club could offer the likes of Trevoh Chalobah, Axel Disasi, Tosin or Benoit Badashile as a sweetener in a potential deal to sign Maxence Lacroix, who has been heavily linked with the Blues in recent weeks. 

It is worth remembering that Chalobah had a productive loan spell with Palace back in the first half of the 24/25 season, though that was under Oliver Glasner, who has now left the club. That said, he is set to become the new Nottingham Forest manager, so that is another thing worth keeping an eye on - could we see Chalobah there? 

The 2025 FA Cup winners moved to bring in French manager Pierre Sage from RC Lens, could we see him want to link up with a compatriot like Disasi or Badiashile, who he will perhaps be familiar with from Ligue 1? Maybe a stretch, but who knows. 

Meanwhile, it is being reported by Alfredo Pedulla that Serie A side Como - who also were said to be interested in Chalobah - have the name of Tosin down as an option for one of their centre back signings.

Safe to say, it has not worked out for Tosin in SW6. When he signed as a free transfer from Fulham a couple of years ago, it seemed like a sensible signing. He had been solid enough for them and hadn't cost a transfer fee for a home grown player. But it really has just not happened for him at the Bridge. Best for all parties to just move on.