Chelsea are interested in Diego Carlos as Thomas Tuchel wants to sign a leader at the back with the Sevilla defender among names on his target list.
According to Fichajes, Chelsea are interested in Diego Carlos and could explore the possibility of a transfer with an offer to Sevilla for the centre-back. The Brazilian is one of Thomas Tuchel’s three preferred options for the position, with Personal Kimpembe and Carlos’ teammate Jules Kounde among those other names on the list.
Chelsea’s search for a top-draw striker was expected by most, but it did surprise a few when they were being linked to centre-backs. Tuchel’s side were once linked with Brighton’s Ben White, but the defender seems to have set his sights on the move to Arsenal. Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane were also linked, among others.
French centre-backs Jules Kounde and Presnel Kimpembe feature high on the list, but Chelsea might have a problem signing either of them. Sevilla’s asking price for Kounde is around €70 million, which could be a hurdle whereas Kimpembe is a mainstay at PSG, although he would like clarity on his role after Ramos was signed.
The third name on Chelsea’s list is Diego Carlos. Although he might not be as polished as the other two, the 28-year-old Sevilla star could be a much cheaper alternative. Tuchel wants to develop a leader at the back for the next few years at Chelsea. He understands that Thiago Silva is only a temporary fix considering his advancing age.
The other factor is to replace Kurt Zouma, who played around 36 games in all competitions last season, and Tuchel wants someone to fill those shoes. The French defender is expected to leave Stamford Bridge after somewhat falling off the radar in the second half of the last season.
With Tuchel actively searching for a top-quality centre-back, Zouma may fall further lower in the pecking order. The Frenchman is expected to leave this summer, with Premier League sides Tottenham and Everton are reportedly keen.
Tuchel would want his new signing to adapt to his system and the Premier League and wait out to become a regular in the side. Diego Carlos is considered a highly capable defender but has flaws, including indiscipline and sometimes lack of reading of the game, something Tuchel could iron out.
How much the centre-back will cost remains the question. Sevilla are not expected to ask a price similar to Kounde’s, but something reasonable to generate decent funds could be on the cards. The next few weeks will determine which direction Chelsea might go towards, and the situation with Carlos will be clearer.
