Juventus have rejected offers from Chelsea, Barcelona, and Manchester United to sign defender Matthijs de Ligt as per Tuttosport. The Blues were interested in signing the former Ajax defender to shore up their defence this summer.
Chelsea have been in tremendous form under manager Thomas Tuchel and have become stronger at the back, conceding just two goals in their last seven matches in all competitions. But, Tuchel is keen on bringing in another defender, to make them even more dominant at the back.
With De Ligt no longer an option for the London side, let’s take a look at three other alternatives that Tuchel could target in the summer.
3 defenders Chelsea should sign this summer
#1 Marquinhos
Thomas Tuchel could return to his former club Paris Saint-Germain and bring in Brazilian defender Marquinhos, who has been the bedrock of the club for eight years. The 26-year-old has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge and it could be a good move for all parties involved.
The Brazilian is a versatile player who is capable of playing as part of a two-man central defence or a three-man central defence, which Tuchel has used more often in his spell at the Blues.
Chelsea should be all over Marquinhos this summer as a CDM/CB target. Understands both positions under Tuchel if we were to switch to a back 4. Comfortable dropping in between CB’s, a leader and experience at the top level. 26 years old, my top target. pic.twitter.com/zCeEoyVAvF
— MAH (@matissearmani) May 10, 2021
Marquinhos can also play as a holding midfielder, which could give the German manager more options in the middle of the park, especially in high-profile games.
Marquinhos can bring the ball out from the back, close down opposition forwards with great intensity, while also initiate attacks with his passing. He has vast experience in Europe, and would be a good fit.
#2 Jules Kounde
Jules Kounde is regarded as one of the most promising young defenders in Europe presently and a player destined for the top. The Sevilla centre-back has been a key player for the Spanish side over the last two seasons since moving to the club from Bordeaux.
Sevilla defender Jules Kounde
Kounde is an aggressive defender who presses high up the pitch to retrieve the ball and uses his speed and athleticism to good effect. The Frenchman can also bring the ball out of the back and spread the ball around with his accurate passing. Kounde is also superb in the air, averaging 3.1 aerial wins per game in La Liga this season.
He is a defender that may not have vast Champions League experience, but has loads of potential and could develop into a star under Tuchel at Chelsea.
#3 Raphael Varane
One defender that has won it all and has become one of the best defenders in the world is Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane. The Frenchman has won the World Cup, multiple Champions League and La Liga titles and has been part of a dominant Real Madrid side.
He formed a formidable partnership with Sergio Ramos, but recent reports have indicated that the partnership could end soon. There’s a possibility that Varane could be available in the summer, and if he is, Chelsea should make him their top priority signing. The Frenchman is confident with the ball at his feet, is a leader at the back and is a very good passer of the ball.
Varane is just 28 years of age and has a lot to offer as he is still in his prime. He could be the leader of the Chelsea defence and be flanked by the likes of Antonio Rudiger, Kurt Zouma and co.