Chelsea could sign a defender or two this summer to strengthen their backline ahead of the 2025/26 season.
The Blues are in the market for a centre-half and could bring Ajax’s Jorrel Hato to Stamford Bridge.
After missing out on Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen, who is set to join Real Madrid, it has been claimed that Chelsea have turned their attention to Hato.
As well as a central defender, Chelsea could also bring in a new left-back, with Marc Cucurella the only one currently in their squad.
Milos Kerkez has heart set on move to Liverpool
Chelsea are fans of Milos Kerkez, but it looks like the 21-year-old is another Bournemouth player they will miss out on.
According to CaughtOffside, the club have made contact over signing Kerkez in their bid to strengthen in the left-back position.
However, the outlet claims that Kerkez only wants to join Liverpool in a blow to Chelsea. The Hungary international has impressed at Bournemouth this season, proving to be a real threat on the left flank.
| Kerkez’s 2024/25 league stats | Total |
| Appearances | 37 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 5 |
| Yellow cards | 4 |
| Red cards | 0 |
It makes it no surprise that Chelsea are interested in him, though they seem likely to lose any potential transfer battle with Liverpool.
Chelsea can always keep hold of Renato Veiga after his loan at Juventus ends, but his future is currently up in the air.
It is thought that Chelsea are open to parting ways with Veiga despite having only signed him last summer.
How Milos Kerkez’s teammate has described him
Bournemouth signed Kerkez from AZ Alkmaar in 2023, and it did not take long for him to make an impression.
Teammate Marcus Tavernier was quick to praise Kerkez and described him as a “mad man”.
Speaking to the Daily Echo, Tavernier said: “He’s a mad man! He’s great, I love that guy to pieces. He brings a lot of energy to the team when it’s quiet and stuff.
“He has come into the team and been great. I’m just hoping he can continue his form and continue playing well.”
For as good as Cucurella has been for Chelsea this season, Enzo Maresca cannot go another campaign with the Spaniard being the only left-back in his squad. The Chelsea manager needs someone like Kerkez to come in, but Liverpool are clearly the frontrunners for his signature.
