Chelsea Encouraged to Sign Everton Star as ‘Final Piece of the Jigsaw’ to Bolster Title Hopes
Chelsea, eager to establish themselves as genuine Premier League title contenders this season, have been urged to address a significant gap in their squad under manager Enzo Maresca.
Former Blues legend Pat Nevin and Liverpool great Jamie Carragher have pinpointed the need for reinforcements in central defense, sparking calls for Chelsea to target Everton’s rising star, Jarrad Branthwaite.
Why Branthwaite Could Be the Key
Branthwaite, 22, has impressed since breaking into Everton’s starting XI under Sean Dyche.
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His composure, defensive prowess, and potential have caught the attention of top clubs, including Manchester United, who reportedly submitted a £50 million bid for the England defender during the summer transfer window.
Embed from Getty ImagesHowever, Everton rebuffed the offer, valuing him closer to £80 million.
Despite only making five appearances this season due to a groin surgery recovery, Branthwaite remains highly regarded. Nevin believes that signing the Everton man could solve Chelsea’s defensive issues.
“Few would now argue against Chelsea’s potential to win the Premier League this season,” Nevin told BBC Sport. “But equally, few are confident enough to say they will.
The central defensive partnership still lags behind what Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester City have at their disposal. Adding someone like Jarrad Branthwaite could be the final piece of the puzzle for the Blues.”
Carragher Echoes Defensive Concerns
Following Chelsea’s recent victory over Tottenham, Jamie Carragher highlighted similar concerns, suggesting Chelsea’s backline lacks the elite quality needed to win a title.
“I still look at the goalkeeper and the center-backs and think, can this team win the league with this setup?” Carragher said on Sky Sports. “City have Ederson and Dias, Liverpool had Van Dijk and Alisson, Chelsea’s title-winning teams had the likes of Petr Cech and John Terry. That level of quality is what’s missing.”
The Big Picture
Chelsea’s squad is undoubtedly deep, but concerns around defensive consistency and a standout goalkeeper persist. While Benoit Badiashile, Wesley Fofana, and Levi Colwill have shown promise, a seasoned and dominant presence like Branthwaite could bring stability and leadership to the backline.
With Chelsea reportedly still exploring options to strengthen their squad, the potential acquisition of Branthwaite—should Everton agree to a deal—could mark a significant step toward solidifying their title ambitions.
As the January transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on Stamford Bridge to see if the Blues make their move for the Everton ace.
Chelsea Encouraged to Sign Everton Star as ‘Final Piece of the Jigsaw’ to Bolster Title Hopes
