Chelsea are now preparing a £21m offer for a “dominant” defender, having been in regular contact over a deal, according to a report.
Blues set sights on new centre-back
The Blues are looking to bolster their defensive options this summer, and AFC Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen has emerged as one of their key targets, although it may be difficult to win the race for the Spaniard, with a number of Premier League clubs in the race.
As such, the aforementioned report states the west Londoners could look to bring Marc Guehi back to Stamford Bridge, and a £40m move is being plotted, with the Englishman potentially in line to join for a cut-price fee, given that his contract expires in 2026.
There is no shortage of options from within the Premier League, with Nottingham Forest’s Murillo also being identified as a target, although the Brazilian will not come cheap, with a £80m asking price being touted.
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Not only are Enzo Maresca’s side considering moves for some of the Premier League’s top defenders, but they are also making moves to sign a young centre-back from La Liga.
That is according to a report from Spain, which states Chelsea are now preparing a €25m (£21m) opening offer for Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera, who has been one of the revelations in La Liga this season.
Mosquera has been a key player for Valencia, and his impressive performances have led the Blues to make regular contact, with several other unnamed European clubs also expressing an interest.
There is a feeling that the 20-year-old could be allowed to leave this summer, given that his contract is set to expire in 2026, and there is a feeling that a bid of around £21m could be enough to get a deal over the line.
“Dominant” Mosquera impressing in La Liga
The Spanish youngster has managed to establish himself as a key player for Valencia this season, featuring 33 times in La Liga, and his performances have caught the eye of football scout Ben Mattinson, who believes he is underappreciated.
Mattinson points out that the Valencia ace is comfortable in possession, which is exemplified by the fact that he ranks in the 87th percentile for his pass completion rate per 90 over the past year, when compared to other centre-backs.
Of course, in a Maresca system it is important for every player to have quality on the ball, so Mosquera could be a perfect fit, and the proposed £21m fee should be no problem for a club of Chelsea’s stature.
