Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca made his feelings about signing a new centre-back pretty clear in the summer, and that wish hasn’t gone away.
Their need for defensive reinforcements has become increasingly urgent. Almost every centre-half in Maresca’s squad has been either injured or unavailable at some point already this season, with Chelsea believed to be prioritising a new defender in January.
The Italian publicly called for a new central defender during the summer transfer window, but his requests went unheeded – a decision that came back to haunt the Blues when Chelsea were left with barely any options to face Liverpool just before the October international break.
Academy graduate Josh Acheampong did very well against Arne Slot’s Premier League champions after being thrown in the deep end during their dramatic 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge, with Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo, Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana all missing through injury or suspension.
Acheampong partnered Benoit Badiashile to great effect in that game, before they were both forced off with injuries in the second-half themselves, and Maresca will be very keen to avoid another mini-defensive crisis.
Maresca made his position on bringing in a new defender very well-known after the news of Colwill’s ACL injury in pre-season. The 22-year-old, who was Chelsea’s most reliable defender with 41 appearances last season, is expected to miss most of the 2025-26 campaign, but at least Badiashile could return after the international break.
“The club know exactly what I think,” Maresca told reporters when asked about signing another centre-back in the summer.
“I think we need a central defender. We are looking for an internal solution but as I said, the club know exactly what I think.
“The one in the middle in my way is so, so, so important. And this is the reason why I said that the club knows exactly what I think about central defenders.”
Considering that Chelsea held talks over signing Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth in the summer, prior to the Spaniard’s Real Madrid move, a star centre-back has long been on the club’s agenda, and it will surely be right up there now.
At various points this season, Chelsea have had four or five defenders unavailable simultaneously, forcing Maresca to field inexperienced partnerships and admit he couldn’t provide adequate rest to those who remained fit.
Chelsea in pole position to sign Lautaro Rivero as part of ‘ambitious defensive overhaul’
Now, according to reports from Spain, the Blues are planning an ‘ambitious defensive overhaul’ to finally grant Maresca’s wish.
Indeed, as per one Spanish media source, Chelsea have ’emerged as the favourite’ to sign highly-rated River Plate centre-back Lautaro Rivero — positioning themselves ahead of Atlético Madrid in the battle for one of South America’s most sought-after defensive talents.
The 22-year-old, who was handed his first Argentina cap in a 6-0 win over Puerto Rico last month, has apparently become a priority target for the Blues.
However, securing his signature won’t come cheap. River Plate have protected their prized asset with a contract running until 2028 and a release clause exceeding £88 million, which presents a significant financial obstacle, even for Chelsea’s ambitious owners.
Atlético are also monitoring Rivero’s situation as part of their own defensive rebuild, but they face financial limitations that leave them at a disadvantage in any bidding war with Chelsea.
Diego Simeone’s side are said to view him as a long-term target and hope not to spend too much, while Chelsea are believed to be keen on finalising the deal early doors. Those within the club are also confident they can put together a ‘compelling offer’ to tempt Rivero to London, so as things stand, BlueCo are in pole position for his services.
However, they might have to watch out for rivals Tottenham, as it’s been reported that Thomas Frank’s side are also pretty keen on Rivero.
