Chelsea earmark three top centre-backs to bolster the backline

Raphael Varane, Niklas Sule, and Ben White feature on Chelsea transfer shortlist

According to The Athletic (Subscription Required) [h/t The Express], Chelsea are believed to have had Niklas Sule, Manchester United transfer target Raphael Varane, and Ben White on their shortlist.

Ben White is also on the radar of rivals Arsenal, while Varane is a long-term target for United. There was also some interest in Sergio Ramos before the Spaniard sealed a move to PSG. (h/t The Express)

However, according to The Express, United are ‘confident’ of sealing a transfer for the French defender and making him their third signing. So that seems like one target that Chelsea could miss out on.

Nevertheless, having those names linked with the club indicates that Thomas Tuchel could be on the lookout for a new centre-back. And in all honesty, Chelsea can use a defender.

Should Chelsea get a defender?

Fikayo Tomori has already completed his move to AC Milan while Marc Guehi, according to Sky Sports and as covered by ASBTF, is on the verge of joining Crystal Palace. That means the Blues could lose two quality English centre-backs in quick succession.

Thiago Silva is also not getting any younger, with the Brazilian veteran turning 37 later this year. Under Tuchel, Chelsea have played a formation that features three centre-backs, as evident in the Champions League final against Manchester City.

Despite boasting of some big names within their defensive line-up, depth and future-proofing the position becomes one issue that Marina Granovskaia and Tuchel should look at.

More Chelsea News:

• Transfer News: Chelsea agree to sell Marc Guehi as Crystal Palace offer is accepted
• Chelsea submit bid for Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde
• Transfer News: West Ham hoping to use Felipe Anderson money to tie down Chelsea target Declan Rice

Malang Sarr and Ethan Ampadu are two fresh faces that have rejoined Chelsea’s ranks this summer after the end of their respective loan spells. But at their age and lack of Premier League experience with Chelsea, it’s hard to imagine the duo getting a crack at first-team football so soon.