Chelsea are in a defensive crisis following Levi Colwill’s severe ACL injury. The manager Enzo Maresca himself has said openly that replacing the 21-year-old is a “priority,” but those at the top of the club hierarchy are reluctant to move for one reason. All decisions are magnified when the transfer window is ticking down.
Reluctance in the Market
Despite Maresca’s clear request for reinforcements, Chelsea are leaning towards relying on their current defensive unit rather than dipping into the market. Internal discussions have ruled out a move for Marc Guehi, leaving Liverpool a clear run at the Crystal Palace man. The Blues believe they can cover Colwill’s absence with a combination of Benoit Badiashile, new arrival Jorrel Hato, Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo, and academy prospect Josh Acheampong.
Club sources suggest they are “exploring different options” but have no firm plans to pursue a centre-back at this stage. . This approach shows clear faith in the squad’s depth, but it also risks leaving Chelsea short if further injuries hit. The message from the board is clear: unless the right circumstances arise, the squad will be trusted to adapt, adjust, and cope through the demanding 2025–26 campaign.
The Chalobah Clause
The one potential trigger for Chelsea to enter the market lies with Trevoh Chalobah’s future. He is the only defender the club are open to selling, and his departure would free up funds for a replacement. Chalobah’s sale would also count as pure profit in financial terms, aiding Chelsea’s push to balance the books while registering new signings for the Champions League.
Although the 25-year-old has impressed in recent months, interest remains from several clubs. If the right bid drops in during the final days, the board may pivot instantly, shifting from patience to action without hesitation. If a suitable bid lands before the transfer window closes, Chelsea’s stance on signing a new centre-back could change very quickly indeed.
