Softfootball understands that Chelsea are beginning to seriously look at the transfer market for a new centre-back after a series of internal talks among senior club figures following their recent 3-2 defeat to Arsenal in the Carabao Cup, as reported by sport expert Fabrizio Romano via his official X account.
He posted:
Chelsea start exploring options to add centre back to the squad after internal talks. Deinner Ordóñez deal remains done and sealed but from January 2028, #CFC now looking for new CB for this window.
While the Blues have invested heavily in young defensive talent over the past few windows, there is now a feeling inside the club that the current first-team squad needs a more immediate solution. Depth, leadership, and reliability at the back have become talking points.
This shift does not mean Chelsea are abandoning their long-term recruitment model. Far from it. The deal to sign 16-year-old Ecuadorian defender Deinner Ordóñez from Independiente del Valle remains fully agreed.
Ordóñez, considered one of the brightest defensive prospects in South America, will officially join Chelsea in January 2028 once he turns 18.
The agreement was wrapped up in November 2025, with Chelsea beating competition from several major European clubs, Liverpool included. Until then, he will stay put in Ecuador, developing further and avoiding any visa complications.
Still, as exciting as that deal is, it does little to help the present situation. Chelsea’s defensive issues are happening now, and relying only on youth signings won’t patch those gaps quickly enough. That reality appears to be pushing the club into action ahead of the January window.
At this stage, no formal talks are said to be underway, but Chelsea are actively assessing options. The focus is on defenders who can step straight into the team, rather than projects for the future.
Recent context has linked the club with players like Marc Guéhi, Ousmane Diomande, and Illia Zabarnyi, although each case comes with financial or logistical challenges that may slow things down.
Internally, there is also recognition that consistency has been lacking. Axel Disasi and Benoît Badiashile have shown promise in spells, but neither has fully nailed down the leadership role Chelsea are crying out for.
Alongside this push for experience, Chelsea’s scouting network keeps rolling. The club are also working on a potential move for 19-year-old Gambian defender Abubacarr Sedi Kinteh from Tromsø, valued around £5–6 million, with more youth trials taking place quietly.
Still, the latest move toward a January signing suggests Chelsea know time is not exactly on their side, especially with top-four ambitions very much alive.
