Chelsea are actively pursuing several defensive options following the sale of Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid for a reported €60 million on Monday.
Uruguayan international Maxi Araujo of Sporting Lisbon has emerged as a ‘priority target’ for the Blues, according to Portuguese outlet Record. Enquiries have already been made through Araujo’s representatives, with the 26-year-old having recently scored a crucial equaliser for Uruguay against Saudi Arabia at the 2026 World Cup. While no formal contact has been made with Sporting, the Portuguese side’s valuation will be key to any potential deal.
Chelsea are also exploring a potential return from Real Madrid in the form of Álvaro Carreras. AS reports that the club is assessing the cost and feasibility of signing the 23-year-old, who only joined the Spanish giants from Benfica last year for €50 million. Carreras’ future is now uncertain following Cucurella’s arrival, and he is familiar with incoming Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso, having been signed by him last season. Real Madrid are reportedly open to considering offers for the player.
Further bolstering their defensive search, Chelsea have added Crystal Palace’s Maxence Lacroix to their shortlist. The Mail reports that the 26-year-old is reluctant to sign a new contract with Palace and is keen to explore other opportunities after the World Cup. Chelsea’s hierarchy are said to be backing Alonso’s transfer plans, which include signing a new central defender and a versatile attacker, and Lacroix is valued at around €40 million.
Finally, the Blues have also made contact with the representatives of Atalanta defender Marco Palestra, as reported by Gianluca Di Marzio. However, Palestra, who impressed on loan at Cagliari last season and won Serie A’s best defender award, is reportedly prioritizing a move to Inter and is awaiting a formal offer from the Italian club. These moves signal a significant reshaping of Chelsea’s backline under the incoming Alonso.
