Chelsea are reportedly viewed as one of the leading contenders to sign a £25m-rated defender this summer.
Despite the fact that the Blues already own several quality centre-backs, they continue to be linked with more potential signings during a busy summer.
Chelsea already completed the signing of central defender Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer in this window.
Journalist Ben Jacobs has reported via Simon Phillips’ Substack that Adarabioyo was promised decent minutes at Chelsea for next season.
Now, Enzo Maresca’s side are linked with another defensive target.
Chelsea interested in signing Strahinja Pavlovic
CaughtOffside claims that Chelsea are one of several teams keen on a deal to sign Red Ball Salzburg defender Strahinja Pavlovic.
It is understood that the 23-year-old player is attracting interest from the Blues, Newcastle United, AC Milan, Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
However, it’s Chelsea and Newcastle that are considered frontrunners for the young centre-half.
The report says that Salzburg’s asking price is €30m (£25m).
Milan are only prepared to make an opening offer worth around €20m (£17m). In contrast, Chelsea and Newcastle could start the bidding at €25m (£21m).
On top of that, Italian giant Milan have offered Pavlovic an annual salary of between €1.5m (£1.3m) and €2m (£1.7m). The clubs in England would be willing to pay more, though.
Pavlovic, who’s got 38 senior caps for Serbia, impressed at Euro 2024 this summer.
Will he now earn a high-profile transfer to English football?
Do the Blues need another CB?
The Chelsea Chronicle is a bit baffled that there’s speculation around another centre-back possibly coming to the club.
When you look at the squad options in the heart of the defence, it makes no sense to splash the cash for another.
Current Chelsea centre halves include Adarabioyo, Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill, Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile and Trevoh Chalobah.
Also, Renato Veiga shared that he’s comfortable playing centre-back after completing his move to Chelsea this week.
