Chelsea considered summer transfer move for Pau Torres

Chelsea considered a summer transfer move for Villarreal centre-back Pau Torres amid their defensive rebuild, according to reports.

One of the Blues’ key areas of focus in the market was to sign new defensive recruitments following the early departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.

Both were frequent starters for Chelsea, but decided to leave west London upon the expiration of their contracts and move to new clubs.

Matthijs de Ligt and Jules Kounde both emerged as potential replacements for Graham Potter’s side in the early weeks of the window, with the latter being a long-term target for the club having seen a move collapse last summer.

However, neither of them signed at Stamford Bridge, and the Blues eventually confirmed the arrivals of Kalidou Koulibaly and Wesley Fofana.

Chelsea were linked with a number of players throughout the summer, with another name now being revealed as one who the Premier League outfit had their eyes on.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Blues considered the possibility of signing Torres from La Liga side Villarreal.

London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are also said to have been interested, but all three sides were deterred by the asking price set by the defender’s club.

Villarreal wanted €40-45 million for the Spanish international, with the 25-year-old remaining at the club despite the heavy interest.

Chelsea came up against the defender when the two sides met for the Super Cup final last summer, with the Blues being crowned winners after a penalty shootout win.

Despite opting not to make a move for the centre-back, Potter’s side still have a depth of quality in their centre-back positions this season.

The arrivals of Koulibaly and Fofana will be a boost to the squad, despite their difficult start to the campaign so far.

Pau Torres for Villarreal. (Alamy)

Thiago Silva extended his contract at the club earlier in the year, and is now set to stay until next summer, therefore providing further experience and leadership.

However, Cobham academy graduate Trevoh Chalobah could find himself leaving Chelsea in the January transfer window.

Despite being highly impressive in his debut campaign for the senior side last season, the 23-year-old has made just one appearance so far this term.

He started and played the full 90 minutes against Leicester City in the Premier League, and has only been named on the bench for the majority of their other matches so far.

Should his lack of game time for the side persist, then Chalobah could seek an exit in the transfer window at the beginning of the new year.

Inter Milan, AC Milan and RB Leipzig all showed interest in a potential deal during the summer and even though Chelsea opted to keep him, there is still a chance he could play elsewhere this season.