There is no doubt that Levi Colwill is Chelsea’s best centre-back. That might even remain the case if Chelsea do secure a deal for Maxence Lacroix. But the Blues might not be done there.
Morgan Rogers is set to join Chelsea, and Lacroix is not far behind him. The Crystal Palace defender is said to be ‘one step away’ from signing a six-year contract at Stamford Bridge, securing his future until 2032.
That would take Chelsea’s complement of centre-backs to a huge 11. Colwill, Jorrel Hato and youngster Josh Acheampong are set to stay, but the remaining seven – aside from Lacroix – could all leave the club.
Who would you rather Chelsea sign, John Stones or Maxence Lacroix?
Trevoh Chalobah is set for Como, while Axel Disasi’s future at Chelsea is over. Benoit Badiashile has interest from Napoli and Newcastle, though Aaron Anselmino and Tosin look set to remain at Chelsea.
Despite all of that, Chelsea could sign another centre-back after Lacroix, with the Blues said to be keen on a deal for free agent John Stones. The former Everton man has left Manchester City after his deal expired.
John Stones would take Levi Colwill to the next level
Colwill is Chelsea’s best centre-back and a key part of the leadership group. But it is often forgotten that the England defender was only born in 2003, and at 23 years of age, is yet to reach his defensive peak.
The main criticism of BlueCo is that the squad lacks experience. Adding that know-how into a young side is fundamental, and last season certainly proved you need a mix. BlueCo admitted they made mistakes.
What’s the best car in the world without engine oil, after all? That oil may arrive in the form of Stones, with The Athletic reporting that Chelsea have added Stones to their shopping list, even after Lacroix.
In the same way Thiago Silva helped those around him at Chelsea before leaving, bringing Stones to West London would immediately raise the standards of his teammates. He would really improve Chelsea.
But for Colwill, it would be invaluable. Learning from a player who plays a lot like; possession-based defending, great in the air, an England teammate, and one who helps organise a defence at its worst.
Colwill is already at a level where he should be playing regular Champions League football. But if he had Stones’ experience next to him, learning from him behind the scenes, Colwill could go right to the top.
Who else is interested in signing John Stones?
The race for Stones is heating up now the World Cup is over, and England saw out the campaign with a 6-4 win over France. Inter Milan have been strongly touted with bringing Stones to Serie A this summer.
Bielsa’s Leeds system is perfect for Rogers and Palmer 🔥
The second back of four is not a midfield, but an attacking quartet.
It would make sense. Stones is entering the latter stages of his career, and the slower pace in Italy may suit Stones as he gets older. Arsenal and Bayern Munich have also been linked with Stones this week.
Chelsea would be pulling off a real coup if they could convince Stones to move to West London. The chances are that Stones moves to a different country, but the Blues are fighting above their weight.
Without European football, they have still managed to beat Inter and sign Marco Palestra, while seeing off competition from Arsenal, Man United and PSG for Rogers. Don’t underestimate Chelsea this summer.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
