Chelsea enter £60m Man City transfer battle for Thiago Silva replacement despite ACL blow

Chelsea transfer news: The Blues are blessed in the centre-back position but Mauricio Pochettino’s men have suffered with a number of injuries

Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni could replace Thiago Silva at Chelsea (Image: Mattia Ozbot)

According to reports, Chelsea is said to be interested in signing Inter Milan center-back Alessandro Bastoni during the upcoming summer transfer window. Despite having acquired Axel Disasi and welcoming back Levi Colwill on loan, Chelsea is reportedly considering bolstering their center-back options. While Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile are also potential choices for the position, they have been struggling with injuries this season.

Thiago Silva, who turned 39 in September, has been a crucial presence in Chelsea’s defense, starting all nine Premier League games this season alongside either Disasi or Colwill. However, with Silva expected to leave the club when his contract expires in June, plans are being made to find a suitable replacement for the experienced Brazilian.

Fortunately for manager Mauricio Pochettino, Fofana, Badiashile, Disasi, and Colwill are all talented defenders. Nonetheless, if reports from Italy are accurate, Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is keen on acquiring another player who can seamlessly fit into the team next summer.

Calciomercatoweb suggests that Chelsea has shown interest in Inter’s Alessandro Bastoni. It is rumored that Inter Milan may be open to the possibility of selling the Italian international for a fee of £60.9 million, despite Bastoni having signed a contract extension last summer.

Bastoni has been linked with a move to the Premier League for some time, with Antonio Conte previously attempting to bring him to Tottenham Hotspur. Although the move didn’t materialize, Inter’s financial difficulties could potentially lead to the sale of the defender at the end of the season.

Manchester City is also reported to be interested in Bastoni, indicating that Chelsea faces competition for his signature. Meanwhile, Inter Milan is said to be considering a move for Torino defender Perr Schuurs. However, Schuurs recently suffered an ACL injury, which might affect the potential transfer.

Ultimately, whether Chelsea decides to enter the transfer market next summer to find a replacement for Silva will depend on Fofana’s recovery, as he has been out of action for a considerable period of time.