Chelsea are very keen on signing a new centre-half this summer and have shortlisted four players as possible candidates, according to reports in England.
Declan Rice is believed to be the main target, but if a move for the West Ham star proves too costly, the Blues are also considering moves for Brighton’s Lewis Dunk, Burnley’s James Tarkowski and Atletico Madrid’s Jose Gimenez.
Supporters on Twitter had a mixed reaction to the report, with many feeling there are better options out there on the transfer market:
Buy them all.
— JohnnyMP (@johnnyjl96) August 7, 2020
Really not convinced by signing Rice as a CB, he has hardly played there. Seems strange when we need someone to come in and do a great job straight away. Is he an inexperienced young CB going to be a big step up from what we have? I doubt it.
— The Secret Graduate (@TopSecretGrad) August 7, 2020
Rice> Jimenez> dunk. Tarkowski, a big no
— Abrar Ahmad (@AbrarrongaVoice) August 7, 2020
Wow!
— . (@chelsbluesss) August 7, 2020
I'd take dunk and rice, Burnley want 50m for tarkowski, Gimenez would be like 100m (release clause I believe)
— luke case (@lukecase8) August 7, 2020
These are bang average English players
— El Pipita (@Chelsea60Arsenl) August 7, 2020
Excellent news.
— Dave Turkson (@DaveTurkson) August 7, 2020
Bring Dunk and Tarkowski. We are set. Buy Rice as the CDM and sell Jorginho!
— siam al tahmid (@siam_tahmid) August 7, 2020
Rice as a center back,hell no!?
— 254-Bøñëy? (@boney003) August 7, 2020
Rice is certainly a very good player but after having started his senior career as a holding midfielder, moving him into the backline would be a risk.
Out of the four, Gimenez has the best track record, although it is thought that Atletico would be very reluctant to let him go. In regards to Dunk and Tarkowski, they are likely to be considered as the summer goes on if Chelsea’s transfer budget becomes more limited.