Chelsea have seemingly been handed a boost in their pursuit of one Premier League player.
After signing Liam Delap to add another body up front, Chelsea are now looking to strengthen out wide and in defence.
Chelsea could sign Jamie Gittens to bolster their winger options, while Jorrel Hato could be the man to come in and reinforce their backline.
The Ajax youngster, though, is not the only defender the Blues are thought to be looking at right now.
Jarrad Branthwaite wants to join Chelsea
In May, it was claimed that Chelsea had made a move for Jarrad Branthwaite. The Conference League winners and several other clubs are said to be interested in the 22-year-old.
However, Chelsea may have an advantage in any potential transfer battle for his signature this summer.
Journalist Simon Phillips has just shared on Si Phillips Talks Chelsea that Branthwaite is keen on joining Enzo Maresca‘s side.
It is a blow for Manchester United, who are also interested in Branthwaite. They missed out on Delap to Chelsea, and it looks like the same thing could now happen with Branthwaite.
Chelsea are not short of centre-backs, with Levi Colwill, Tosin Adarabioyo, Trevoh Chalobah, Benoit Badiashile and Mamadou Sarr all being available for selection at this moment in time. Nevertheless, it appears that the club still want to sign a new centre-half.
Enzo Maresca green-lights Jarrad Branthwaite move
Regarding Maresca’s stance, he seems to be keen on the idea of bringing Branthwaite to Stamford Bridge.
Phillips has also shared on Substack that the Chelsea head coach will back any move the club make to sign Branthwaite during this transfer window.
He will not come cheap, however, as Everton could request a £75m fee for Branthwaite. It is a fee that the Blues will be reluctant to pay, especially when they already have central defenders.
Whatever the case, the England international’s situation is something to keep an eye on during this transfer window.
