It seems Chelsea’s purchase of Wesley Fofana from Leicester City in 2022 is starting to have some ramifications.
Fofana is one of several central defenders at Chelsea. Nevertheless, despite having the likes of the Frenchman, Levi Colwill and Tosin Adarabioyo, the Blues still want to buy a new central defender this summer.
Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi and Ajax’s Jorrel Hato have all been linked to Stamford Bridge.
It is thought that Chelsea have already made a play for Branthwaite, but a deal is a long way away from being concluded.
Branthwaite’s high valuation due to Wesley Fofana’s transfer fee
Chelsea’s interest in Branthwaite is bad news for Fofana. It suggests that they may be looking to replace the 24-year-old after all of his injury problems.
However, the Blues’ decision to pay £70m for Fofana could come back to haunt them and end up saving the France international.
According to TEAMtalk, Everton are demanding around £75m for Branthwaite, pointing at how much other defenders such as Fofana and Harry Maguire have cost.
Chelsea will be extremely reluctant to pay that fee and could therefore be priced out of a deal because of Fofana’s 2022 transfer.
Branthwaite still has a couple of years to run on his contract and there have been no noises about PSR, so Everton do not seem to be under any pressure to sell the 22-year-old this summer.
Two reasons why Chelsea shouldn’t spend £75m on Branthwaite
Branthwaite has not done anything to warrant a £75m transfer fee, but you cannot blame Everton for trying to ward off interest in him by slapping a massive price tag on his head.
Branthwaite still establishing himself in the game is not the only reason why Chelsea should not drop £75m on the England international, though.
Guehi is available and is likely to cost less after entering the final year of his contract. He is more experienced than his Three Lions teammate, playing in the Premier League for a bit longer.
Guehi is 24 now and has captained Palace this term, showing his leadership qualities. Ultimately, with Guehi practically on the market and Branthwaite being valued at £75m, Chelsea should not be prioritising the Everton man.
