Signing a centre-back or two has to be a priority for Chelsea this summer. Coming into the season, Enzo Maresca had asked for one after Levi Colwill suffered a serious injury. His request was overlooked. And that might have been the beginning of the end for the Italian manager at Stamford Bridge, merely months after guiding them to Club World Cup glory.
Over the course of the season, it has become pretty evident though that Maresca was right. Chelsea have looked lost at the back and leaked goals, especially following the arrival of Liam Rosenior.
The clean sheet against Leeds United had raised hopes. But that was followed by a 3-1 defeat at the hands of a second-string Nottingham Forest side.
So, it is quite clear that Chelsea need to bring in defenders this summer. Strahinja Pavlovic of AC Milan is someone they have been linked with lately. And it looks like a move could be on.
Chelsea handed Strahinja Pavlovic transfer boost by AC Milan
Pavlovic is arguably AC Milan’s best defender right now. But that might not prevent the club from green lighting a move in the summer.
According to Calciomercato, Pavlovic is considered an important player by Massimiliano Allegri and AC Milan, but the Rossoneri will still be attentive to the balance sheet. In front of the right offer, they could let him leave, just like they did with Malick Thiaw. The valuation of the Serbian central defender’s transfer is set at €50 million, a figure that would bring an important capital gain and would, in concrete terms, also finance a move for Mario Gila.
The report adds that Chelsea are the most active club when it comes to Pavlovic. It is also worth mentioning that the Blues have been linked with Gila in the recent past as well.
Would Pavlovic be the right signing?
One risk factor that is always present when it comes to signing from other leagues is how they will adjust to the Premier League.
Even Kalidou Koulibaly, one of the best centre-backs of his generation, had a tough time adjusting to the pace of the Premier League after coming in from Napoli. Something similar could happen with Pavlovic or Gila.
Let’s see if Chelsea do end up making a move of that magnitude for Pavlovic or not. Alessandro Bastoni is another top Serie A defender who could be available this summer, and in terms of quality, he might be a grade above him at this point in time.
