Barcelona manager Xavi has fired a warning to Chelsea and Europe’s other top clubs ahead of the summer transfer window.
Chelsea could try and sign a new central defender when the market opens.
Mauricio Pochettino is hopeful that he will have Wesley Fofana back for pre-season, but his injury record since arriving at Stamford Bridge cannot be overlooked.
Thiago Silva will also be leaving the club after their final Premier League game against Bournemouth on Sunday.
The Brazilian will be joining Fluminense and reports suggest that Chelsea could turn to Barcelona to sign someone who could come in and potentially replace him. However, that could prove tricky based on Xavi’s latest words.
Chelsea target could remain at Barcelona this summer
Barcelona have quite a few quality central defenders on their books.
Former Chelsea man Andreas Christensen, Jules Kounde and Ronald Araujo are all centre-halves at Xavi’s disposal.
Araujo has recently been linked with a move to Chelsea, with Sport claiming that Barcelona want €100m (£85.8m) for him. But Xavi has now come and stated that the 25-year-old is happy with where he currently is.
“I always talk with Roni and he knows what I think,” the legendary midfielder said. “There are zero doubts on his future on my side. He knows what I want for his future and he’s happy here.”
Could Trevoh Chalobah prevent Chelsea from signing Ronald Araujo?
Even if Chelsea can sign Araujo and desperately want to replace Silva, Trevoh Chalobah is making a case for them not to do so.
The 24-year-old has been excellent since returning from injury, helping his side earn another three points after their 2-1 win against Brighton & Hove Albion.
In that game, Chalobah made four tackles, more than any other player on the pitch, according to WhoScored.
The Chelsea academy graduate also made nine clearances, which was again the most in the game.
Maybe, then, Chelsea do not have to go out and buy Araujo or another centre-half. Chalobah is showing that he is good enough to hold down one of those central defensive spots next season.
