Chelsea’s preparation for a new Premier League season was hit hard after defender Levi Colwill suffered anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries and sidelined him for several months.
Due to the set-up, manager Enzo Maresca urgently searched for defensive reinforcements at Stamford Bridge, without one of his most trusted players.
Among the names under consideration is Bayer Lebakusen’s highly regarded Ecuadorian international Piero Hincapie, sources close to the agent industry have informed Catch off side.
Chelsea identify clown hincappie as a replacement for Levi Colwill
The 23-year-old was a key figure on the Bundesliga side, having made 45 appearances for them last season and earning a reputation for his calm and strong positional play.
Chelsea are closely monitoring his situation, but sources indicate that formal contact with Leverkusen or the player representative has not yet been made. Interest from Spanish clubs can also complicate a potential approach.
Internally, Chelsea’s recruitment team has also shown strong praise for Benfica’s Antonio Silva.
The 21-year-old Portuguese centre-back is considered one of Europe’s most promising defensive talents, allowing his technical ability and maturity to go directly to the Premier League side.
Antonio Silva of Benfica is another name on the radar
Early enquiries were made to assess player availability and the financial framework for potential transactions. Reports suggest that Benfica could be seduced by an offer in the 40 million euro area, but no official bid has been presented.
With clocks ticking towards the launch of a new campaign, Chelsea faces important decisions in the coming days.
The club’s purpose is to have defenders who can immediately contribute to the first team, and at the same time serve as a long-term asset in line with the club’s strategy of investing in young, high potential players.
Whether they are chasing after the Bundesliga Test Hincapie or rising star Silva, Chelsea’s next move in the transfer market will be critical to deciding how they will deal with Colwill’s absence.
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