Murillo signs, Trevoh Chalobah transfer - Enzo Maresca's dream Chelsea defence for new season

Chelsea are still in the transfer market for a new central defender despite head coach Enzo Maresca having seven to choose from for the upcoming season.

That could, though, go down to five at some point in the summer transfer window. football.london understands the club are still looking to move on Trevoh Chalobah despite the 25-year-old defender enjoying a really impressive end to the 2023/24 campaign.

Any sale for Chalobah, a Cobham graduate, would account for 'pure profit' in the Premier League's Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) and some at the club believe it makes more financial sense to move the defender on this summer. Meanwhile, football.london understands Chelsea are open to loan offers for Alfie Gilchrist this summer.

The 20-year-old broke into the senior squad last season under Mauricio Pochettino due to the club's injury crisis. Gilchrist showed tremendous ability when coming onto the pitch for a handful of cameo appearances and quickly established himself as a fan favourite at Stamford Bridge.

If Chelsea were to sell and loan the duo, respectively, this summer then the club are preparing for what happens after. The possibility of signing a new centre-back is one that is strongly being considered, football.london understands, with a number of targets on the club's shortlist.

Murillo from Nottingham Forest is definitely one of the names on the list at Stamford Bridge. The Brazilian defender enjoyed an impressive debut season for Forest last time out and Chelsea approached the Nottingham-based outfit about signing the centre-back last month.

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Chelsea, though, were taken aback after Forest confirmed to the Blues that they would want a fee in the region of £70million for Murillo. The west Londoners have not lost interest either way in Murillo, who remains one of the club's biggest centre-back targets this summer.

Tosin Adarabioyo has already been brought in this window. The 26-year-old signed a long-term contract with Chelsea after leaving west London neighbours Fulham upon the expiration of his contract at Craven Cottage. football.london understands the Blues see Adarabioyo's ability and composure on the ball, as well as his strength in aerial duels, as key attributes to help their defence.

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Chelsea will be hoping Levi Colwill can enjoy a stronger season this time around. Pochettino used the England international at left-back for a lot of last term - a position he is more than capable in, but one where it felt like his best abilities were not being utilised enough.

Benoit Badiashile had an injury-riddled first full season with the club and will be hoping for better fortune this time around. The Frenchman has undeniable talent but has looked shaky at times during his Stamford Bridge days.

Wesley Fofana is close to returning from injury and is expected to be on the plane for the club's tour of the United States later this month. Fofana did not play a single match last season after he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) around 12 months ago.

Axel Disasi had a mixed first season with the club. The 26-year-old Frenchman showed solidity at the back sometimes but was perhaps too error-prone; leaving some supporters disappointed and underwhelmed with the £38.7million signing.