Chelsea are keeping tabs on Barcelona duo Jules Kounde and Ronald Araujo as they seek defensive reinforcements according to TBR Football.
The Blues have made a good start to the season under Enzo Maresca and currently sit third in the league, although the table is tight and only four points separates them from Manchester United in 13th.
Whilst Chelsea have looked good going forward there are concerns about them defensively , with the Blues making a number of errors at the back this season, and it’s arguably the weakest area of the team currently.
Chelsea keeping tabs on Kounde and Araujo
Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana are Chelsea’s current preferred centre back pairing, whilst the likes of Tosin Adarabioyo and Benoit Badiashile are back-up options.
Chelsea do lack experience and leadership at the back and never replaced Thiago Silva and the qualities he had both on and offer the pitch.
Fabrizio Romano recently revealed that the Blues were actively monitoring the centre back market ahead of potential signings in January or next summer.
Benfica’s Tomas Araujo is a player Chelsea are believed to admire, whilst his team-mate Antonio Silva is also thought to be on the list of possible targets.However, it appears there are other names in the frame and TBR Football have reported the Blues are keeping tabs on Barcelona duo Kounde and Araujo.
The report adds Chelsea are still interested in Kounde’s situation having been close to signing him under Thomas Tuchel, and the France international can play both as a centre back and right back.
TBR Football also add the Blues are continuing to monitor Araujo with doubts surrounding his long term future with the Spanish giants.
Araujo is out of contract in 2026 and the report states Barcelona will look to sell in 2025 if a new deal can’t be agreed.
Chelsea certainly have multiple options and it will be interesting to see who they end up signing and whether they will move in January or wait until next summer.