Chelsea can sign four emergency defenders after Wesley Fofana injury nightmare

Football Digest: Pochettino ruthlessly exiles three players from Chelsea HQ

Chelsea could be forced into the market for a new defender this summer after Wesley Fofana’s newest long-term injury blow in pre-season. The Frenchman, who joined Chelsea from Leicester City last summer and has been prone to knee problems throughout his career, may be sidelined for the entire Premier League campaign after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in training.

The Blues are set to explore the market for a potential replacement over the next few weeks, according to Fabrizio Romano, but they are only prepared to act if the right opportunity presents itself between now and the end of the summer window.

With that in mind, Express Sport takes a look at some of the options on the table for Chelsea should they decide to splash the cash on a new central defender…

Harry Maguire

Chelsea could be tempted to pursue a move for Harry Maguire, who has been widely tipped to leave Manchester United this summer after tumbling down the pecking order at Old Trafford. He was stripped of the Red Devils captaincy by Erik ten Hag last week but could still do a job for Chelsea in place of Fofana given his right-footedness and ability to excel in a back three.

Maguire has been valued at around £50million by United, according to the Manchester Evening News, which is a price that Chelsea would have no trouble paying if they decide to firm up their reported interest in his services. The Sun are claiming that the Blues are keen on the move but could face stiff competition from the likes of Tottenham, West Ham and Newcastle in the race to snap him up.

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Jules Kounde

Jules Kounde is a player known well by those in power at Chelsea, with the Blues having tried to sign him on plenty of occasions before his move to Barcelona a year ago. He also fits the profile of a right-footed central defender and is especially adept at playing the ball out from the back, which would suit Mauricio Pochettino’s forward-thinking style down to the ground.

Kounde’s future at Barcelona appears to be far from certain, with Sport reporting that he would be open to leaving the Nou Camp after growing frustrated with being deployed as a right-back by Xavi. Chelsea could do far worse than to capitalise on the situation by renewing their interest in Kounde, although only time will tell if they will go back in for his signature over the coming weeks.

Benjamin Pavard

Chelsea are one of several clubs to have been credited with a desire to land Benjamin Pavard, who has been tentatively linked with a move away from Bayern Munich before next season gets underway. The 27-year-old is only tied down until the end of next season as things stand and is yet to sign fresh terms at the Allianz Arena, which could pave the way for an exit in the not-too-distant future.

A move for Pavard would provide Chelsea’s relatively young defence with an injection of experience and quality in equal measure, although he is primarily a right-back and would not be playing in his natural role if he is drafted in to replace Fofana. He is also said to have a number of other suitors, with Liverpool and Manchester City reported to be keeping tabs on his situation in Germany at present.

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Juan Foyth

Juan Foyth worked under Pochettino at Tottenham before joining Villarreal two years ago and has impressed during his time in Spain over the last couple of seasons. He usually operates as a right-back at club level but is equally capable of playing in the middle, while he would also be well-placed to thrive on the right-hand side of a back three.

The Argentine defender played 30 games in all competitions for Villarreal last season and would likely be a cheaper option for Chelsea than Maguire, Kounde or Pavard this summer. His experience in playing under Pochettino would also stand him in good stead to succeed at Stamford Bridge, although it would not be a surprise to see the Blues go after a more established option to replace Fofana if a better opportunity presents itself.

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