Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has firmly outlined his plans to sign a new defender before the Premier League transfer deadline on September 1.
The Blues kicked off their 2025/26 campaign with a 0-0 draw at home to Crystal Palace and Maresca admitted some of his new signings are not quite up to speed.
The Italian coach has spent a whopping £240m already this summer, but the focus has been on improving his attack, with Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, Willian Estevao and Jamiee Gittens amongst the new arrivals.
However, fresh concern at the other end of the pitch means Maresca could edge up towards the £300m mark, in his final move this month.
Centre-back Levi Colwill has been ruled out until 2026, following surgery on an ACL injury, whilst Benoit Badiashile remains sidelined.
Tosin Adarabioyo missed the Palace draw, and Wesley Fofana remained on the bench against the Eagles, as he works back to full fitness.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
That meant a central defensive pairing of Trevoh Chalobah and 19-year-old Josh Acheampong as an illustration of Maresca's need for defensive reinforcements.
Bringing in an experienced defender on a season-long loan is an option, but Maresca's preference is for a fresh face to come in an anchor the defence, as a long-term pick in his plans.
As per reports from Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter Milan have turned down a €50m [£43m] offer for Alessandro Bastoni, with the 26-year-old under contract at the San Siro until 2028.
The Serie A giants are looking to bring in a new defender themselves, with Benjamin Pavard linked with an exit, but they want to retain Bastoni if possible.
Maresca will now assess his options over a possible second bid for Bastoni but time is ticking over his chances to secure a new central defender by the end of August.
Chelsea news and related links
- Maresca confirms misfiring Chelsea star 'not in his plans'
- Maresca not on same page as Chelsea over Colwill replacement
- Maresca confirms who Chelsea could sign next this summer