Chelsea’s season-opening 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace laid bare one crucial truth: with Levi Colwill sidelined by an ACL injury, Tosin Adarabioyo also out with an injury, Wesley Fofana regularly injury-prone, Josh Acheampong still raw, and Trevoh Chalobah already showing fitness fragility, security at the back is non-negotiable.
It was glaringly obvious in the season opener just how much the Blues missed Colwill’s influence.
Addressing that gap isn’t optional. That should be the priority for the remainder of the window.
Centre-Back Must Be Priority
With midfield and attack suffering from defensive instability, landing a top-quality centre-back should be the Blues’ number one move.
While internal options – Chalobah and Fofana – are available, they’re not enough to cover two ACL absences and offer genuine reliability.
Adding depth isn’t enough. They need a centre-back who can restore balance and give the team confidence from the back.
Xavi Simons Needs To Be Next, but Door Hinges on Outgoing Deals
Up next: creativity.
Chelsea have made Xavi Simons a priority. Personal terms are reportedly agreed, but RB Leipzig’s £60 million valuation stands in the way of a deal.
Talks are very much alive, and a swap involving Christopher Nkunku returning to Leipzig was under exploration to sweeten the offer.
Simons is seen as the kind of spark the Premier League demands, provided the West London club can get the numbers to work.
Nkunku’s Exit Key To Unlocking New Business
That brings us back to Christopher Nkunku. The Blues’ pursuit of new signings, Simons and Alejadro Garnacho, hinges on offloading Nkunku for good.
Bayern Munich are now in active talks for the forward, and the world champions are determined to make that a permanent move, not a loan.
Fabrizio Romano reports the two clubs are in daily contact, with agreement nearing but not finalised.
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Garnacho Could Add Value, but Doesn’t Solve Core Issues
Alejandro Garnacho looms as another attacking option.
He’s Premier League-tested and wants to join the Blues – but United’s high valuation (rising toward £50 million) and the need to balance the books make that move dependent on departures too.
He is an intriguing asset, but he won’t address the defensive fragility that’s currently undermining the team.
However, with the Blues first expressing interest back in January, Garnacho may just be top of their priority list.
With both Garnacho and Chelsea open to the move, it seems like only a matter of time before the young Argentine moves to West London.
Clear Plan for Chelsea: Sell, Then Spend Wisely
Ultimately, Chelsea’s approach must be disciplined – offload Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson, among others, to generate the funds needed for key additions.
First, bring in a dependable centre-back to secure the spine. Then push for Xavi Simons to bolster creativity. Garnacho could follow, if finances allow.
Skipping these steps leaves the Blues vulnerable, not just at the back, but across the pitch.
Yes, the market is tight and fees are stretched. But the team’s structure demands action.
Secure defence, secure midfield creativity – that’s how Chelsea can turn promise into performance before the window shuts.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Sportsphoto
Recording Date: 17.08.2025