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Chelsea have had a difficult 2017/18 season with no fixed starting XI with constant shuffling and changing in the squad. There has been consistent rotation in defence with only Cesar Azpilicueta having cemented his spot in the three-man defence.
Andreas Christensen has also been guaranteed his place at the back despite his recent injuries of late. But the left side of the three-man defence has been up for grabs with switching of places between Gary Cahill, Antonio Rudiger and 17-year-old Ethan Ampadu.
Cahill has been one of the weak links in the Chelsea defence. His lack of pace has been exposed, he has been out of position and has given the ball away to the opposition. And he came under severe scrutiny after Bournemouth targeted and pressurized him in their 3-0 triumph at Stamford Bridge.
Here are 5 options that Chelsea must consider if they are to fix the leak at the back.
#5 Samuel Umtiti
Since the time he broke into the first team at Lyon, Samuel Umtiti has been nothing short of special. And he has now capitalised on his opportunity of showcasing his talent on a grander platform with Barcelona.
However, his contract with Barcelona is only until 2021 with a rather low release clause of £53 million. He will be the best option for the left centre-back position with his ball playing skills and a natural left foot.
With the release clause that he has in his contract, it will be a steal for one of the best young centre-backs in world football. Umtiti also possesses versatility as he can shift into the role of a left-back as well.
Also read: Barcelona players' release clauses: Are they all worth it? Who is affordable?
He is an excellent passer of the ball too and has a good sense of anticipation and marking in his game. With Zouma returning next season, his partnership with his fellow countryman could prove to be vital for Chelsea.
#4 Kurt Zouma
Kurt Zouma was loaned out by Chelsea in the summer of 2017 following his recovery from a knee injury the previous campaign and he hasn't disappointed in his loan spell.
The 23-year-old has been an integral part of Stoke City's starting lineup in their battle for survival in the Premier League. He has also had a good amount of experience playing for Chelsea since his arrival in 2014.
He has gone through the rebuilding process at the Chelsea before and had impressed immensely during his spell at the London club. Chelsea did the right thing when they tied him down to a new contract before loaning him out.
He has all the requirements and would definitely be a welcome re-addition to the Chelsea squad if they are not willing to spend big on a new defender. His tendency to score important goals is also an added bonus.
#3 Stefan de Vrij
Stefan De Vrij is someone who has gone under the radar during his time with Lazio but there have been instances where his name has been linked with other big clubs.
He joined Lazio in 2014, following his impressive performances with Feyenoord and the Dutch national team in the World Cup. Since his arrival in the Italian capital, De Vrij has been a mainstay in the squad.
One of the first names on the teamsheet, the Dutchman has also shown his leadership skills in defence. A ball-playing defender who is excellent at aerial duels and interceptions is something that Chelsea can prosper with due to the advantage in height that he possesses.
At just 25 years of age, De Vrij has a release clause of just £22m but looks set to sign a new contract at Lazio, as per The Sun. He will be a target for many clubs since he has expressed his desire to leave the club in the summer and Chelsea should be one of the clubs that should enter the race to get his signature.
#2 Kalidou Koulibaly
Having signed with Napoli in 2014 as a 22-year-old, Kalidou Koulibaly has gone on to make over 100 appearances for the Naples club. He was able to break into the starting centre-back role and has ever since been a regular in the starting lineup.
He had also decided to represent Senegal instead of France - his country of birth - and has gone on to make 22 appearances for the national team.
The Senegalese international has a strong, commanding presence in defence and possesses qualities of playing the ball out of the back and making tackles as well winning the aerial battles.
He is also excellent with both feet. He was also previously linked with Chelsea, specifically in 2015.
No other club has so far expressed any major interest in Koulibaly and Chelsea should consider themselves as front-runners to his signature and he should available for a fee in the range of £40m-£60m.
#1 Jose Gimenez
Jose Gimenez made his debut for Atletico Madrid in 2013 having joined the team when he moved to Spain when he was just 18 years old. Since then the Uruguayan defender has been a regular in the first team, going on to make 113 appearances for the club.
However, Gimenez has struggled to become a regular in the starting lineup in the past year with competition from Stefan Savic and Lucas Hernandez. Atletico had received offers for Gimenez in the past two transfer windows but he has stayed put at the club.
Gimenez is a towering defender who is not afraid of making challenges and is brilliant in the air too. If he doesn't sign a new contract at Atletico, then Chelsea could make him a priority. He is only 23 and has many more years before he hits his peak.
