It could not be more evident to Chelsea that securing the signing of a quality centre-back who can add to their defensive depth is crucial. The club have witnessed a slow start to the season, especially after the team finished strongly last season.
Though the Blues have made several key additions to the attacking lineup, a series of injuries, coupled with limited alternatives, has left them struggling at seventh in the Premier League table. Most notably, the defence has been heavily impacted, with Levi Colwill sidelined due to an ACL injury. Meanwhile, several other centre-backs are dealing with shorter-term issues.
With these ongoing injuries, it could be difficult for Enzo Maresca to establish a stable and effective defensive setup for future success. Given this crisis, the addition of a centre-back in January could help restore some balance and stability to the backline.
Consequently, the Blues have joined the race to sign Strahinja Pavlovic. As reported by Milan Live, his transfer valuation could quickly reach around €60-70 million. Barcelona, Chelsea, and Arsenal are monitoring his progress and are aware of his potential.
Chelsea Eye AC Milan Defender Pavlovic Amid Injury Crisis
The 24-year-old Serbian international quickly established himself as one of Milan’s key defenders after joining from Salzburg in July of 2024. Signing him could provide Chelsea with a solid defensive option and bolster their campaign across all competitions.
However, securing the defender will not be easy, as his contract runs until 2028. Competing against the Gunners and the Spanish giants will be challenging as well.
Acquiring a proven defender is of utmost importance to Chelsea and should be a priority for the management. While the international break may have allowed the players some recovery time, it is unlikely that this defence is still going to be good enough to challenge for major honours.