Chelsea face a defensive crisis with less than two weeks to go until their Premier League opening fixture with Everton.
Despite the signing of Kalidou Koulibaly, the Blues have missed out on a number of targets to replace the departed Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.
The latest player to slip through the net is Jules Kounde, who is all-but confirmed to be playing his football with Barcelona next season.
With the current situation suggesting more than one name through the door is required at Stamford Bridge, here’s three players the club should consider making a move on quickly.
Milan Skriniar
The Inter Milan man looked set to be joining PSG this summer, although now that has seemingly fallen through the Blues should not be hesitating to make a move.
The 27-year-old’s confidence on the ball is something that would suit the Premier League perfectly, while he would also be adding a great deal of experience a number of the club’s current options don’t provide.
Better yet, Inter reportedly need to sell a big-money player this summer for financial reasons, with Skriniar looking a likely candidate.
While rumours suggest Chelsea are currently intrigued by Denzel Dumfries, they should look one along the line for their perfect summer signing.
Josko Gvardiol
While he doesn’t boast the experience of Skriniar, the RB Leipzig defender has certainly shown that while he’s one for the future, he’s more than ready now.
After being nominated for the Golden boy award, he proved his ability on the world stage during Leipzig’s run to the semi-finals of the Europa League.
This signing may be more as a Rudiger replacement, with his strengths on the ball including his dribbling mirroring those of the German.
Making 34 appearances at a top European club at just 20 years of age is no mean feat, and it appears he’s ready to make the move to the Premier League
Max Kilman
While playing for Wolves may not hold the same appeal compared to the aforementioned top European clubs, they have a centre-back on their books who could be a fantastic coup.
Kilman was linked with a move to the Blues last season, after seamlessly establishing his place in the Molineux backline out of nowhere.
Playing under Bruno Lage has seen him operate in a back five, the same as what he would be occupied in at Stamford Bridge.
It is likely he would be available for a lower fee than the earlier two nominees, although the 25-year-old would easily strengthen the club’s current options. With Wolves announcing the signing of Nathan Collins from Burnley too, he may become available if the the Blues are interested.