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Chelsea have a problem in the middle of their defence and without fixing it they will struggle to win the Premier League regardless of who is manager. With John Terry having lost his pace, Gary Cahill looking unreliable and Branislav Ivanovic struggling, there hasn’t been a solid partnership with David Luiz. Luiz himself has defensive issues but Chelsea spent a lot of money on him and he does have talent. He would seem to be the man Chelsea want to establish at centre back but the other position is up in the air. The ideal partner for Luiz would either need to have exemplary football intelligence to tell him where to be and cover his errors, or be a rough-tough no-nonsense player who can compensate for Luiz’s meanderings forward. With this in mind, here are five players that Chelsea could realistically sign this summer:
Jan Vertonghen – Spurs
Scout Report - Vertonghen is a smooth, elegant defender who relies on his brains and his positioning rather than pace or physicality. He has an incredible knack for being in the right place at the right time and he specialises in interceptions, often stepping into the path of the pass before it gets into dangerous areas. This is in part because he is an excellent distributor of the ball himself and so views passes defensively through the same eyes as the attacker. He has taken to the Premier League with ease and can certainly be part of a Premier League winning team.
Where does he fit at Chelsea? His football intelligence is badly needed in a defence which is otherwise reliant on physical presence. He could hold Luiz’s hand and tell him where he should be.
How much? It would be easy to say ‘Spurs would never sell Vertonghen’ but the fact is, they will if the price is right. They signed him at a bargain £10m and he is now worth at least twice that and a bit more. If Chelsea were to bid somewhere in the £20-22m region, then Spurs could replace him and sign a striker, so they’d be sorely tempted.
Pepe – Real Madrid
Scout Report - Spiky, irritating, frustrating but very talented. Pepe is quick, strong and has an ability to get himself in the way of the ball either to block shots or to snuff out passes. He’s a key man in the water tight Portugal defence and has only lost his place at Real due to the emergence of the the wonder kid Rafael Varane. A winner who doesn’t take losing well.
Where does he fit at Chelsea? When Chelsea were at their best, they weren’t the most loved team in the league. Pepe would bring a spikiness and a drive to win which was one of the features of the great Mourinho team.
How much? Real might be inclined to sell at £15m as they can no longer offer him first team football.
Neven Subotic – Borussia Dortmund
Scout Report While Hummels, who seems to be on his way to Barcelona, is the bigger name, Subotic is just as important. Subotic is a hard, tough defender who puts his body on the line in every game. He isn’t particularly sophisticated but he is smart, street wise and used to winning.
Where does he fit at Chelsea? Think Ricardo Carvalho. Subotic has the same types of qualities and would also be arriving from a winning institution.
How much? It’s hard to see Dortmund selling both of their centre backs but if they could sell Subotic rather than Hummels, they would do. If Chelsea moved quickly, he might be gotten for £12m or so which would allow the Germans to keep their other stars.
Benedikt Howedes – Schalke
Scout Report - Howedes plays with passion and total commitment in every game. He is a big man, physically imposing and very tough. He’s excellent in the air and solid on the ground. He isn’t quick but isn’t slow either and has shown himself to be one of the best defenders in the Bundesliga over the last few years. He’s also shown that he can thrive in the Champions League and looks ready for the Premier League.
Where does he fit at Chelsea? He’s like a prime time John Terry and since Terry isn’t that any more, why not grab the next best thing?
How much? Schalke can be dealt with and although they’d be loathed to lose their captain, £14m would do it.
Mehdi Benatia – Udinese
Scout Report - Benatia is a big, swift and strong centre back who is both tough in the battle and stylish on the ball. He has the tactical versatility to play in a back three or back four. Benatia has developed immensely at Udinese after being plucked from the French second division two years ago. Could improve still further with another step up in quality.
Where does he fit? This would be a less obvious fit alongside Luiz. However, if the new man considers Luiz to be better in defensive midfield, as many do, then Benatia would be a good replacement for the Luiz style in the defence.
How much? Udinese live to sell and £12m would be a great profit for them.
