Five Alternatives If Chelsea Opt Against Paying £50m For Lewis Dunk

Chelsea are very keen on signing a centre-back, with the Blues said to be keeping tabs on Brighton captain Lewis Dunk, according to the Times.

However, the Seagulls have slapped a staggering £50m price tag on the 28-year-old, which could well put off Frank Lampard’s side from making a bid for the defender.

There are certainly a number of other centre-halves on the market who would be available for a lower fee than Dunk, but could still improve Chelsea’s defence.

Press the “next page” as we identify five alternatives that the London club could consider during the January transfer window:

Caglar Soyuncu

The Turkish international has slotted in perfectly alongside Jonny Evans in the heart of Leicester’s defence following the departure of Harry Maguire to Manchester United.

At just 23 years of age, Soyuncu is still developing, but he is already very strong physically. He is also an imposing figure in the air; which is something that is lacking among Chelsea’s current crop of centre backs.

Dayot Upamecano

The likes of Barcelona and Arsenal are said to be very keen on the Frenchman, with the defender reportedly available due to the fact he has just eighteen months left on his contract at RB Leipzig.

Upamecano has been a regular for the German club this campaign as they top the Bundesliga at the halfway stage, with the third-best defensive record in the league.

Willy Boly

The 28-year-old is the same age as Dunk, but would likely be available for a significantly lower amount. He is a left-sided centre-back too and would, therefore, compliment Antonio Rudiger.

Boly has generally played in a three-man backline at Wolves, and he would be comfortable whenever Lampard opts to switch systems.

Nikola Milenkovic

The Fiorentina defender is not well known in England, but he is seen as one of the most promising young defenders in Serie A. Manchester United have been hot on his trail over the past year.

Milenkovic is just 22, but he is good in the air and would present a cheaper solution in the Blues’ search for a new centre-half.

Boubacar Kamara

If Lampard is looking for players who can play out from the back, then the Marseille defender could well be the best suited to the job.

Kamara is comfortable playing as a holding midfielder as well as slotting in at centre-back. At 20, he has big potential, but it must be said he lacks the authority and experience that the Blues may be looking for.

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