League: EPL Sport: Soccer Country: France Category: Transactions

Chelsea seeks to strengthen defense with new signings for next season

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 22, 2026, 11:25 AM

Last updated Jun 22, 2026

Chelsea seeks to strengthen defense with new signings for next season

Summary

Chelsea is planning to bolster its squad as they look to add physicality, quality, and leadership, particularly in the centre-back role. The club is not considering the sale of Wesley Fofana, despite his exclusion from France's World Cup squad. With a crowded center-back position, Chelsea is evaluating potential players to partner with highly regarded Levi Colwill. Sources indicate interest in several defenders, including Nottingham Forest's Murillo and Crystal Palace's Maxence Lacroix, as the club prepares for the upcoming season under manager Xabi Alonso.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Key Details

•Chelsea plans to reduce squad size before next season
•Wesley Fofana remains part of the team as scrutiny continues
•Interest in Murillo and Lacroix for center-back positions
•The current defense needs physicality and leadership
•Manager Xabi Alonso prepares for pre-season later this month

Latest Updates

11:25 AMYahoo Sports — Chelsea look to add physicality, quality and leadership - who would you go for?

What they're saying

"
There is no indication Chelsea are actively looking to sell Wesley Fofana. The France international, who was not selected for his country's World Cup squad, is effectively under scrutiny as the Blues look to reduce the size of their squad before next season under Xabi Alonso. The picture at centre-back is already crowded, and Chelsea are looking to add at least one high-quality option in that area and perhaps another depending on sales.
— Yahoo Sports

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