There is a possibility that Chelsea sign Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori this summer.
In fact, it has been claimed that Chelsea are actually willing to offer players in a deal for Riccardo Calafiori.
There is no guarantee that the Blues will get him, though, with Arsenal also thought to be keen on the 22-year-old.
However, losing out on Calafiori to their London rivals should not make or break Chelsea’s season, especially when they have similar defenders to the Italian.
Enzo Maresca’s left-sided defensive options
The left side of Chelsea’s defence is definitely not the weakest area of the Blues’ squad.
Levi Colwill and Benoit Badiashile can play on the left side of central defence, while the former can also start at left-back.
Marc Cucurella and Ben Chilwell, however, are the natural options for the left-back role.
Calafiori is comfortable in either position, which is one reason why he is likely to appeal to Chelsea right now.
But again, Colwill also played in both positions last season.
Levi Colwill could save Chelsea millions
Colwill has admitted that he did struggle in the left-back position at times during the 2023/24 campaign.
However, the Englishman still played a lot of games there. And at 21, he is at an age where he can still grow into the position.
In general, Colwill is a very good footballer. He has been described as a “fantastic talent” by former manager Mauricio Pochettino.
As per FBref, the England international has ranked in the 94th percentile for tackles among centre-backs over the last year.
The opportunity to sign Calafiori may be too good to turn down. But one glance at Colwill in pre-season, and Enzo Maresca could quickly realise that he may not actually need his compatriot.
If Chelsea lose one of their left-footed defenders this summer, that changes things a little bit. Chilwell’s fitness record is a worry as well, but Maresca can be satisfied overall with the options he has at left-back and left centre-back.
