Chelsea defender targets in January 2026—here are the defenders Chelsea want to sign in the Summer window of 2026!
Chelsea defender targets for the upcoming transfer window? Here, we will look at the latest rumours and news about Chelsea defender targets. So far, the recent Chelsea signings have not included many defenders this Winter transfer window 2026.
We point out defenders and defensive footballers that are considered on top of Chelsea’s radar for Winter 2025.
So, which footballers are the Chelsea FC defender targets? Watch & Bet on Football =>
Who is on Chelsea’s defender target list this January transfer window 2026?
Some would contend that Chelsea should boost their team during the January transfer window in an effort to get more firepower and move closer to winning the Premier League.
But this is not likely to be the case. No significant additions are anticipated at Chelsea in January, according to Sky Sports. According to reports, Chelsea will not be adding a defensive midfielder, centre defender, or goalkeeper in the middle of the season.
According to the source, Chelsea is instead getting ready to make significant acquisitions during the summer 2026 and summer 2027 transfer windows. Emmanuel Emegha of RC Strasbourg and Geovany Quenda of Sporting will be Chelsea’s first two summer additions.
Apart from these two, Mamadou Sarr, a centre defender for Strasbourg, was also bought by Chelsea this summer, but he was loaned back to the French team for the entire season.
Expect more activity as the transfer window progresses and the Blues finalise their squad for the new season.
Top 5 Chelsea Defender Targets for Summer transfer window 2026
For a comprehensive overview of Chelsea’s plans, check out our other articles on Chelsea transfer targets:
So with a center back (maybe) needed and a potential overhaul in the fullback department.
we will look at who should be on the top 5 Chelsea defensive targets list for 2026. Watch & Bet on Football =>
5. Ousmane Diomande is one of Chelsea’s defender targets for left back
Age: 21 | Club: Sporting Lisbon | Value: €30 million
Ousmane Diomande is Chelsea’s new defensive target for Winter 2025
Ousmane Diomande is a fresh defender target for Chelsea, and he is part of Chelsea’s double swoop from Sporting Lisbon. The Blues will ideally make a move for Diomande along with Viktor Gyokeres during the january transfer window.
The Portuguese defender has been a regular for the club and has appeared 14 times this season since making a move from FC Midtjylland in the winter. The Blues will release academy product Trevoh Chalobah to fund his signing.
Pochettino is dealing with defense issues this season, and he may even lose his job if Chelsea continues their poor run of form. They need a solid center back in the upcoming summer window. Their previous signing, Wesley Fofana, is already in the medical room due to a knee injury. Watch & Bet on Football =>
4. Ronald Araujo is one of Chelsea’s left-back targets
Age: 26 | Club: Barcelona | Value: €37.2 million
Ronald Araujo is Chelsea’s Brazilian defensive target for January transfer window
In the upcoming months, Chelsea will have the opportunity to sign Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo.
It will be intriguing to watch how things play out since the 26-year-old defender has been linked to leaving. The defender is not eager to leave Barcelona just yet, according to TBR Football. Chelsea is not taking the transfer seriously as a result. If the South American shows signs of wanting to join them, they could try to make a move for him.
Whether the defence is prepared to join the Premier League will be intriguing to observe. Being able to join Chelsea, one of the biggest teams in the world, might be thrilling.
3. Dayot Upamecano is one of Chelsea’s right-back targets
Age: 27 | Club: Bayern Munich | Value: €60.00 million
Dayot Upamecano is Chelsea’s rising star in defense target for January window
TEAMtalk reports that Chelsea has joined the competition to sign Dayot Upamecano, a centre defender for Bayern Munich.
The French defender, who is valued at £52 million by Transfermarkt, advanced through Red Bull’s well-known junior system in Salzburg before moving to Leipzig in 2017 and making 154 appearances for the Bundesliga team.
Now that his current contract is set to expire at the end of the season, the 6′ 1″ centre-back must make a crucial choice between extending it at the Allianz Arena and looking for a new challenge in the event that his terms are not fulfilled. This has alerted a number of teams.
According to TEAMtalk, Chelsea is among the teams competing for Upamecano’s signature. The Club World Cup winners are reportedly in the running to sign the 27-year-old.
2. Murillo is one of Chelsea’s centre-back targets
Age: 23 | Club: Nottingham Forest | Value: €55 million
Murillo is Chelsea’s emerging defensive target
If Chelsea meets Nottingham Forest’s hefty demand for the defender, they may be able to sign Murillo next summer.
Football Insider claimed in September that Chelsea is looking to add a new centre-back to boost their roster and pursue Premier League success, as Enzo Maresca attempts to compete with Arsenal for the championship.
Chelsea, who are determined to bolster their defence before the end of the season, may intensify their chase of Murillo in January, perhaps making an enticing offer.
In the most recent episode of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, I disclosed that the Blues could have to wait to sign the Brazilian.
Murillo is a crucial component of Sean Dyche’s plans at the City Ground, and sources told Football Insider that Nottingham Forest will prevent Chelsea from pursuing him in January. Watch & Bet on Football =>
1. Marc Guehi is the top Chelsea defender targets in 2026
Age: 24 | Club: Crystal Palace | Value: €60 million
Marc Guehi is Chelsea’s top defender target for 2025 transfer window
According to sources close to Marc Guehi, Chelsea is well-positioned to entice the defender back because of his passion for the team. The Blues also have a 20% sell-on option and the right to reject any offers made for the England international, according to TEAMtalk.
According to the report, sources are certain that Guehi would be “tempted and interested” in a move to Stamford Bridge if Chelsea were to make a play for him.
Guehi’s return to Chelsea already appeared to be one of those inevitable transfers. If they were interested in signing him, the news that they have a sell-on clause and first refusal greatly increases their chances.
However, there’s a potential he could be available on a discounted deal because his Palace contract expires in 2026. Watch & Bet on Football =>
FAQ’s on Chelsea Defender Targets
Here are frequently asked questions on chelsea defender targets
Who did Chelsea sign in 2025?
Chelsea’s notable new signing for 2024 is Joao Pedro from Brighton, acquired for £45 million. This addition is part of a significant summer overhaul, with Chelsea investing £185.4 million in ten new players. Neto joins a squad that’s been revamped to strengthen their push for success in the Premier League.
Which defender did Chelsea sign in the last transfer window?
Chelsea has signed Tosin from Fulham on a free transfer and Aaron Anselmino from Boca Juniors for £15.6 million this summer. These additions are part of the club’s efforts to bolster their squad ahead of the new Premier League season. Watch & Bet on Football =>
More about Chelsea defenders’ targets
For the latest Chelsea transfer news and rumours check out offical website Chelsea.
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Chelsea should just go ahead and sign Jimminez To Make Us World Class.
Chealse need Diclan Rice becos he is a utility player