Former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin has called on his old club to secure the signing of Everton’s rising defensive star, Jarrad Branthwaite, suggesting he could be the “final piece of the jigsaw” for the Blues under Enzo Maresca.
Branthwaite, a 22-year-old England international, has emerged as one of the Premier League’s brightest young center-backs over the past two seasons.
His performances have drawn attention from several top clubs, with Manchester United reportedly close to signing him during the summer transfer window. However, Everton’s £80 million valuation halted the deal despite personal terms being agreed.
Nevin believes Chelsea should seize the opportunity to bring Branthwaite to Stamford Bridge, citing the need for defensive reinforcements to compete with title rivals Arsenal and Liverpool.
“Put simply, there are still weaknesses for Chelsea, and these tend to be found out at the top level,” Nevin told the BBC.
“The central defensive partnership, whoever they use, isn’t close to the level that Arsenal and Liverpool have. You could say the same about the goalkeeper. I just wonder if Jarrad Branthwaite could be prised from my beloved Everton. Would this be close to the final piece of the jigsaw?”
Branthwaite joined Everton from Carlisle United in 2020 and has since made 61 appearances for the Toffees. While his journey to becoming a first-team regular took time, including loan spells at Blackburn Rovers and PSV Eindhoven, he has now established himself as a key player for the Merseyside club.
Earlier this year, Branthwaite earned his first call-up to the England squad, further solidifying his reputation as a player destined for the highest level. His Everton teammates have praised his talent, tipping him to succeed at the top tier of football.
Chelsea may face stiff competition in the race to sign Branthwaite. Liverpool are reportedly considering a bid for the defender in the January transfer window, potentially sparking a bidding war between the two Premier League giants.
With Chelsea aiming to build a squad capable of challenging for the title, the addition of Branthwaite could provide the defensive solidity needed to elevate them to the next level. However, securing his signature will likely require a significant financial investment, as Everton remain keen to retain their prized asset.