Chelsea could rival Manchester United for a £70million-rated Premier League defender and hold a significant advantage in the transfer race.
Enzo Maresca’s first season at Stamford Bridge has been a success, securing the club’s return to the Champions League and winning the Conference League.
Chelsea could lift another trophy next month at the Club World Cup and have already won a key transfer battle, beating United to the £30m signing of Liam Delap from Ipswich Town.
And after wrapping up that deal, the Blues could pip the Red Devils to the signing of another young England star, with the Daily Mail reporting that Maresca is weighing up a move for Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite.
The centre-back enjoyed a breakout season in 2023/24 which culminated in him winning his first Three Lions cap, though he just missed out on a place in the Euro 2024 squad.
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While Everton struggled in the first-half of last season, their form drastically improved following the return of David Moyes, with Branthwaite and James Tarkowski’s partnership at the back key to the revival.
United attempted to sign the 22-year-old last summer but saw two bids, the second worth £50m, rejected as the Toffees held firm to their £70m valuation.
In the end, Erik ten Hag opted to buy Matthijs de Ligt instead, but United’s interest in Branthwaite remains strong, with Ruben Amorim needing more centre-back depth after releasing Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans.
The head coach is committed to his back-three formation and there are concerns over Lisandro Martinez’s long-term fitness.
However, signing Branthwaite will be no easy task as Moyes is reluctant to let the defender, who has two years left on his contract, go and would likely demand a huge fee.
What has David Moyes said about Jarrad Branthwaite’s Everton future?
In April, David Moyes dismissed speculation that Everton were resigned to selling Jarrad Branthwaite in the summer.
‘You have to remember Branthwaite has got a three-year contract – two years and a year’s option so if anything Everton hold all the cards.
‘But I also have to say over the journey over many years at Everton we had to sell players – from Wayne Rooney to Mikel Arteta to Joleon Lescott. It’s part of being a football manager, especially at certain clubs on the journey when you have to sell to try and build as well.
‘But Jarrad is not a player I would want to lose, that’s for sure.’
Moreover, the Mail’s report adds that – same as last summer – the Everton star would only consider leaving Merseyside for a Champions League club and United are not in any European competition next season.
But Chelsea are and therefore hold a huge advantage, with Maresca keen to add another centre-back to his squad.
The Blues attempted to sign Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth but he has joined Real Madrid and also have interest in Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi.
Because of the Club World Cup, the summer transfer window has temporarily opened early and will run from June 1 to June 10.
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