Chelsea are closing in on securing the Champions League qualification as they currently sit third in the Premier League table. Having already made an emphatic statement by announcing two blockbuster signings – namely Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner, the attacking threat Chelsea pose for the next season is surreal. But Frank Lampard has to find some balance in the defence as well so the Blues can be more complete enough to fight for the Premier League next term.
Lampard’s first season at the helm has been a mixed bag even though his side were able to produce an attacking brand of football. The reason has been mainly the leaky defence which has cost the Blues on many occasions including the Champions League humiliation against Bayern before the Pandemic break.
Since the return of the football, Chelsea looked to have got the upper hand in the transfer market, while many of the top clubs were pondering over the financial crisis caused by the pandemic- thanks to the overturn of the transfer ban. Lampard has stated he has different plans to be productive in the transfer market. Without a doubt, the Blues are one/two signings away – especially defenders – from becoming one of the dangerous sides in Europe, at least on paper.
Here are two defenders who Chelsea could sign this summer.
David Alaba
Image source: transfermarkt.com
The Bayern Munich defender has been running high on many of the clubs’ wish list as he is highly speculated to seek out an exit this season. Bavarians, in turn, are also not planning to update the Austrian’s contract, indicating there are high possibilities for him to move to another top club next season. Manchester City and Barcelona are among the list, while Chelsea have also expressed their interest in the 27-year-old. Alaba has seamlessly adapted to the centre-back role from his preferred left-back position, the one which he is well known for.
Under Hansi Flick this season, Alaba excelled as ball-playing centre-back, showing his astute distribution and progression skills. Chelsea could benefit a lot from Alaba he could ease the pressure and free the space for Jorginho to operate.
Pau Torres
Image source: transfermarkt.com
The Villarreal centre-back has also been linked with a move to the Stamford Bridge with a release clause of £45m. The Spaniard has been one of the top performers in La Liga this season, helping his side to seal a spot in the Europa League next term. Like Alaba, Torres is another ball-playing centre-back, who could help the Blues in progressing the ball upfield, while resisting the pressure. The 23-year-old gained his first senior team appearance in the national team last year under then-manager Roberto Moreno.
Chelsea may have the attention of the footballing world after completing the signings of Ziyech and Werner while being constantly linked with Bayer Leverkusen starlet Kai Havertz. But their business is far from over unless they bring on some defensive reinforcements.
