Five centre-back signings for Chelsea to consider.
A look at five defenders Chelsea could try to sign after failing to sign their top targets John Stones and Marquinhos – the options are still out there…
1) Raphael Varane (Real Madrid)
Long linked as a top target for Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane would be a good alternative to either Stones or Marquinhos, as he is a similarly top talent with his best years ahead of him.
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2) Diego Godin (Atletico Madrid)
Alternatively, a more established centre-back Chelsea could sign is Atletico Madrid’s Diego Godin, who has been one of the finest players in the world in his position in recent years.
3) Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund)
Linked for a long time with Manchester United, Borussia Dortmund centre-back Mats Hummels is another world class defender who’d be ideal for Chelsea’s needs at the moment, though he’d likely be expensive.
4) Ezequiel Garay (Zenit Saint Petersburg)
A player firmly in Chelsea’s sights this summer, Zenit Saint Petersburg star Ezequiel Garay could be heading to Stamford Bridge as something of a backup plan, but the experienced Argentine could prove a great buy.
5) Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Bilbao)
One of the best young defenders in the game, Athletic Bilbao starlet Aymeric Laporte would be a smart signing, though he is another who’d cost around £30m or even more.