Incoming Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso has a host of pressing matters to address in his first transfer window at Stamford Bridge. The defence, however, perhaps warrants the most urgent attention after a string of unconvincing displays throughout much of the past campaign.
The Blues’ tally of 58 goals scored was actually the joint-fifth-highest of any side in the Premier League. Yet only eight teams shipped more than Chelsea’s 52 goals conceded, which points firmly to the back line as a major factor behind their 10th-place finish.
With Levi Colwill sidelined for virtually the entire season through injury, the Blues were left scrambling for alternatives at centre-back. Even so, managers Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior struggled to put out a consistent defensive partnership owing to further fitness setbacks elsewhere.
Wesley Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah formed the most regular pairing in central defence, with others rotated in around them. Meanwhile, Maxence Lacroix could prove a shrewd acquisition after RMC Sport reported he may have played his final match for Crystal Palace.
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A key pillar of the defensive solidity that has underpinned Palace’s recent successes, the 26-year-old is reportedly available for a relatively modest fee of £35million. In the context of Chelsea’s spending in recent years, that represents exceptional value for a Premier League-proven player in the peak years of his career.
Given the injury concerns that have plagued Fofana and Colwill in recent seasons, reinforcement in central defence appears essential. Meanwhile, left-back is also emerging as a pressing issue following reports Marc Cucurella has submitted a transfer request.
Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo alleged Cucurella is keen on returning to Barcelona, who would need to stump up approximately £40m to secure his services. That would require Chelsea to bring in a new left-back at Stamford Bridge despite Jorrel Hato already being on the books as cover.
View 3 ImagesMarc Cucurella has supposedly signalled his intent to leave Chelsea amid hopes he can return to Barcelona
On that front, Valentin Barco appears to be standing by as the obvious solution. The Argentinian asset has already confirmed his departure from Chelsea’s sister club, Strasbourg, following an impressive 18-month spell in France.
The BlueCo link should help smooth any negotiations over a transfer, which makes pursuing Barco all the more attractive. The South American has produced his finest performances in Ligue 1 operating in midfield, though he initially arrived from Brighton as a left-back.
View 3 ImagesFormer Brighton left-back Valentin Barco has already confirmed his exit from Chelsea’s sister club Strasbourg(Image: Sathire Kelpa/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
That could position him as the ideal understudy while giving Hato the opportunity to establish himself in the left-back role. Alternatively, there’s every chance Barco could mount a challenge for the starting spot himself alongside Denner, the Brazilian youngster set to join from Corinthians.
Right-back is well covered with Reece James and Malo Gusto continuing their rotation system, while Josh Acheampong is also part of that discussion. That said, some doubt lingers over the goalkeeper situation behind first-choice Robert Sanchez.
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The Sun reported that back-up Filip Jorgensen has requested the club look into a potential departure after struggling to clock up more minutes in west London. Should Jorgensen head for the exit door, Gabriel Slonina could step up to the role of deputy, with 23-year-old Teddy Sharman-Lowe taking on greater responsibility as third choice.
If Chelsea boss Alonso manages to land his ideal targets to strengthen the backline this summer, here is how their defence could shape up next season:
Goalkeeper: Robert Sanchez, Gabriel Slonina, Teddy Sharman-Lowe.
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Right back: Reece James, Malo Gusto, Josh Acheampong.
Centre back: Levi Colwill, Maxence Lacroix, Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, Mamadou Sarr.
Left back: Jorrel Hato, Valentin Barco, Denner.