Overview
- In late June 2026 Chelsea have set Levi Colwill as the defender they want to build around and are targeting at least one new centre-back to partner him.
- The club is not actively selling Wesley Fofana and expects him to remain in the squad for now while the incoming manager assesses players in preseason.
- Fofana made 38 appearances in 2025/26 but drew late-season criticism after a sending-off on the final day, and his long injury record still affects how the club and market value him.
- Chelsea have carried out checks on multiple centre-back targets and held talks over Rennes' Jérémy Jacquet that stalled on fee, leaving negotiations open as planning continues.
- Transfer accounting is influencing decisions because Chelsea would likely need about £30 million to avoid recording a loss on Fofana, and the squad will be trimmed after missing European football.