Romelu Lukaku’s departure means a new forward is essential, but for Chelsea the most pressing area of concern this summer comes in defence.
With Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen gone – the former leaving a gaping hole after starting 34 league matches last season – Thomas Tuchel knows strengthening defensively is his biggest priority in the coming months if they are to seriously compete for the title next season.
The Blues have a number of centre-backs in their sights, including Juventus‘ Matthijs de Ligt, Sevilla’s Jules Kounde and Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly.
Chelsea need defensive recruits after losing Andreas Christensen (L) and Antonio Rudiger (R)
Thomas Tuchel knows strengthening at the back is essential for the Blues this summer
Some are likelier to head to Stamford Bridge than others, while Tuchel may even need to add more than one to his ranks – but which players should they prioritise?
Sportsmail has taken a look at Chelsea’s main defensive targets this summer and run the rule over them statistically, with the help of data from WhoScored.com.
Matthijs de Ligt (Juventus)
The Holland international has been an ever-present at the heart of Juve’s defence since joining from Ajax in 2019, featuring 117 times over the previous three campaigns.
Last season he racked up 2,675 minutes for Massimiliano Allegri’s side, starting 29 league games while chipping in with three goals and one assist.
From an aerial standpoint, De Ligt is one of the strongest options Tuchel has on the table.
On average he won four headers per game in the 2021/22 campaign, making every bit of his 6ft 2in frame count in Turin.
Juventus centre-back Matthijs de Ligt has emerged as one of Chelsea’s top defensive targets
The Dutchman is a force in the air, winning four aerial duels per match for Juve last season
He recorded 1.1 tackles per game, while also averaging 0.7 blocks, 0.8 interceptions and 3.1 clearances.
With the ball at his feet De Ligt was also on form, completing 54.5 passes per match – which works out as a pass percentage of 89.
His disciplinary record is nothing to worry about, with two yellow cards and a subsequent sending off his only cards last year. And in terms of injuries, he has only missed 26 matches because of fitness problems over the last five years.
The 22-year-old also has age on his side and could therefore prove a defensive stalwart at Stamford Bridge for the best part of a decade.
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