Seven defenders Chelsea should sign before the window closes
We’re now just over a week away from the end of the summer transfer window but Chelsea have made only two first-team signings thus far.
Michy Batshuayi and N’Golo Kante are both exciting additions and already look like shrewd signings following their opening Premier League appearances for the Blues.
But neither truly address arguably Chelsea’s biggest weakness from last season – namely, the conceding of a whopping 53 goals.
No doubt, Chelsea boast a wealth of experienced options at the back and prodigious Frenchman Kurt Zouma is still yet to return from injury.
But there’s a worrying imbalance to Chelsea’s defence and three of its stalwarts – John Terry, Gary Cahill and Branislav Ivanovic – are now the wrong side of 30.
A more youthful signing before the transfer window slams shut could really add a sense of energy to Chelsea’s ageing backline and perhaps more importantly, enhance their Premier League title credentials.
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So in the 7 Of The Best spirit, here are seven defenders Conte should sign before Deadline Day…
RICARDO RODRIGUEZ
A creative left-back famed for his potent output, Ricardo Rodriguez and winger Eden Hazard could cause relentless havoc working together on the left-hand side.
Likewise, signing the Switzerland No.3 would allow Cesar Azpilicueta to switch back to his natural position of right-back, meaning Chelsea’s defence would offer far more natural width going forward.
The 23-year-old’s free-kick deliveries are another important bonus but as one of the most exciting defenders in Europe, Wolfsburg will want top dollar for Rodriguez.
KALIDOU KOULIBALY
Measuring in at a whopping 6 foot 5, Kalidou Koulibaly seems almost tailor-made for Premier League football.
The Napoli centre-back combines no-nonsense physicality with trademark diagonal passes and at the age of 25 could quickly prove to be a very wise long-term investment.
However, top-class defenders are only available at a premium this summer and resultantly, Napoli may expect a record-breaking transfer fee.
FABINHO
Branislav Ivanovic’s days at right-back appear to be numbered and Monaco’s Fabinho would be an incredibly exciting successor.
The Brazilian was in fantastic form last season, grabbing six goals and four assists in Ligue 1 whilst averaging 3.2 tackles and 2.2 interceptions per match.
However, Manchester United have been strongly linked with the 22-year-old and neither club would gain from his price-tag being driven up by a bidding war.
LAMINE KONE
Lamine Kone thoroughly impressed during the second half of last season, playing a pivotal role in Sunderland staving off relegation.
The 27-year-old certainly isn’t a world-beater but if Chelsea are on the prowl for a simple-yet-effective centre-back with Premier League experience – mimicking their 2012 deal for Gary Cahill – then Kone could prove to be a very shrewd signing.
Alessio Romagnoli
Alessio Romagnoli is one of Serie A’s most promising young defenders and Antonio Conte surely knows him well.
Indeed, the 21-year-old has already represented Sampdoria and AC Milan in the Italian top flight, making 34 appearances for the latter club last season.
The Italy U21 can operate at left-back or centre-back and would add significant depth to Chelsea’s backline.
Alessandro Florenzi
Alessandro Florenzi can operate in defence or midfield and is perhaps best famed for making it onto the shortlist for last year’s Puskas award with a fabulous strike against Barcelona in the Champions League.
There’s not been much evidence to suggest Antonio Conte will utilise a back three at Stamford Bridge but if he does, the feisty Italian would be a perfect candidate for the right wing-back role.
Versatility, intelligence and aggression are all very appealing traits, but Florenzi appears to be following Francesco Totti and Daniele De Rossi on the path of becoming a one-club man at Roma.
LEONARDO BONUCCI
If Chelsea fancy going for the jugular option, then Juventus centre-back Leonardo Bonucci is their man.
The 29-year-old has been the bedrock of a side that have claimed five consecutive Serie A titles and he also impressed for Italy at Euro 2016.
In fact, amid a largely barren spell for top-quality centre-halves, he’s unquestionably one of the best around. The only problem, however, is the transfer fee Chelsea would have to pay for a defender who’ll turn 30 by the end of the season.