Chelsea have a whole host of centre-backs on their books but despite that being the case, their backline is far from solid.
Chelsea’s defence was picked apart by Manchester City in their 3-1 latest defeat as Erling Haaland gave Trevoh Chalobah a baptism of fire upon his return to his boyhood club while also bullying Levi Colwill.
Enzo Maresca will be alarmed to discover that his side have shipped as many as 30 goals in 23 Premier League games this season.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 6 | Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.  ChelseaChelsea | 23 | 11 | 7 | 5 | 45 | 30 | 15 | 40 |
Wesley Fofana and Colwill have yet to convince at the back and since the former’s injury, neither have Tosin Adarabioyo and Axel Disasi while Benoit Badiashile’s season has been hampered by injuries as well.
Chelsea plan to axe Adarabioyo, Disasi and Badiashile. Instead, Marc Guehi is on Chelsea’s radar as they aim to improve their defence.
Chelsea like Ilia Zabarniy as well, who is having an impressive season in an AFC Bournemouth shirt.
Clik here to view.
Dean Huijsen is “high” on Chelsea’s transfer shortlist
So much so that sources told TBR Football that Chelsea sent scouts to watch Zabarniy as he played in his side’s 1-0 win against Tottenham. The Ukrainian has formed one of the most formidable centre-back pairings with Dean Huijsen, who is having a terrific season at Bournemouth — as they conceded four less goals (26) than Chelsea this campaign.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 7 | Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.  B’mouthBournemouth | 23 | 11 | 7 | 5 | 41 | 26 | 15 | 40 |
Signed from Juventus for £15.3 million (BBC Sport) last summer, the 19-year-old has been a class act and one of the main reasons why Andoni Iraola’s side are having such a fabulous season.
Fabrizio Romano has now revealed that Huijsen is also “high on the list” for Chelsea.
The Spanish U-21 international has a release clause in his contract which will be active in the summer of 2025.
Romano has also revealed that Bayern Munich have “called to be informed” about Huijsen’s situation at Bournemouth.
The teenager has grabbed the headlines this season, especially against the big sides as he scored the winner against Tottenham Hotspur and in the Cherries’ statement 3-0 thrashing of Manchester United.
In possession, Huijsen is the modern-day centre-half, known for his expansive passing range and comfortability in tight situations.
But most importantly, the Amsterdam-born colossus is as astute reader of the game and a composed defender who makes decisions well beyond his years.
Daniele De Rossi said Dean Huijsen can be “one of the best players in the world”
In February last year, Daniele De Rossi, who coached Huijsen at Roma claimed that he has the potential to not just become one of the best centre-backs in the world but one of the standout players the game has to offer.
The World Cup winner told ESPN: “Huijsen is becoming more and more mature. He does a lot. He’s very smart.”
“He doesn’t look 18-years-old on the field. He knows what he is doing. But sometimes a little too well. [Huijsen] is good with the ball at his feet, but sometimes a little too calm.
“I think he needs to learn some more ‘Italian tricks’ in his own box. If he does that, he will become one of the best players in the world.”
Over the past few years, Chelsea have shown their willingness to sign young players.
Names like Moises Caicedo, Malo Gusto and Romeo Lavia instantly spring to mind.
Much like Caicedo, Huijsen is a Premier League-proven player, which perhaps boosts his chances of becoming a successful signing if he indeed makes a move to Stamford Bridge.
As the highly-rated youngster plays against league leaders Liverpool next Saturday, the Blues will not get a better opportunity to ascertain where he stands.
