Chelsea’s efforts to bolster their squad this summer have been given a significant lift as reports suggest they hold an advantage in their pursuit of a highly rated Premier League defender.
The Blues have already bolstered their attacking options with the signing of Liam Delap, and manager Enzo Maresca is now turning his attention to reinforcing the team’s wide and defensive areas.
Recent developments indicate that Chelsea’s search for new talent has led them to target multiple promising players across the pitch as they aim to become a more competitive force heading into the new season.
Among those under consideration is talented winger Jamie Gittens, who has caught Chelsea’s eye with his displays on the flanks. However, the club is also investing considerable energy into bolstering the backline.
One of the most intriguing names to have surfaced is Ajax’s exciting young prospect Jorrel Hato, who could help shore up their defense for years to come. Despite this interest in Hato, Chelsea have cast their net much wider, signaling that they are intent on bringing in proven Premier League talent as well.
That plan includes a serious interest in Everton’s commanding centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, who has impressed many with his performances over the past season.
Reports suggest that Chelsea have already initiated contact in the hope of beating rival clubs to his signature, with Manchester United also circling around the England under-21 international.
Journalist Simon Phillips, who spoke on the popular podcast Si Phillips Talks Chelsea, indicated that Branthwaite is receptive to the idea of moving to Stamford Bridge and would be enthusiastic about working under Maresca.
This interest from the player himself could give Chelsea a vital edge over United and other suitors.
Despite already having a number of central defenders at their disposal — including Levi Colwill, Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, and Mamadou Sarr — Maresca appears determined to add further depth to his defense as part of his long-term plan.
Phillips also noted in his Substack report that Maresca is fully behind the club making a decisive move for the defender this summer, viewing him as a potentially transformative signing who could enhance Chelsea’s defensive resilience.
That said, Branthwaite will not come cheaply. Everton are expected to demand a substantial transfer fee, believed to be around £75 million. Given Chelsea’s already considerable defensive options and the price tag involved, they will need to carefully weigh up the financial implications.
Even so, with Maresca’s full support and the player himself reportedly interested in joining the London club, Chelsea could yet prevail in what promises to be one of the most fiercely contested transfer battles of the summer window.
The next few weeks will likely be decisive in determining whether Chelsea’s ambition to strengthen their backline will come to fruition.
