Chelsea are preparing a move for Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck, identified as a key target to solve the team’s ongoing defensive issues, according to a report from Football Insider.
Chelsea Plot Move for Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck
The club’s need for a new centre-back has been heightened by a series of injuries and inconsistent form at the start of the Enzo Maresca era.
Chelsea’s defensive line has been severely tested this season. The team has faced a mounting injury crisis, with key defender Levi Colwill expected to miss most of the season after undergoing ACL surgery.
The situation worsened during a recent win over Liverpool, which saw Benoît Badiashile and Josh Acheampong forced off with knocks, adding to an injury list that already included Wesley Fofana and Tosin Adarabioyo.
This has left manager Enzo Maresca with limited options, highlighting the urgent need for a reliable and dominant presence at the back.
In response, Chelsea have set their sights on Nico Schlotterbeck. The 25-year-old German international has developed into a key player for Borussia Dortmund and is now considered “one of the best centre-backs… not just in Germany, but in all of Europe,” as praised by former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann.
A former chief scout, Mick Brown, described Schlotterbeck as a “dominant centre-back” and a “regular for Germany,” who “likes to win tackles, win headers and take charge of the back line”. He is seen as a significant upgrade who could solidify Chelsea’s defence.
Securing Schlotterbeck’s signature will not be straightforward. His current contract with Dortmund expires in 2027, and the German club is reluctant to lose him.
There is also significant competition, with Barcelona also heavily linked to the defender.
Barcelona are reportedly stepping up their interest as they seek a left-sided centre-back, though their financial situation may push them to focus on free agents.
Chelsea’s plan is reportedly to make a move in 2026, when Dortmund might be more willing to negotiate rather than risk losing him on a free transfer a year later.
For now, Chelsea fans will be hoping the team can navigate its current injury woes, with several defenders expected to return after the international break.
However, the pursuit of Schlotterbeck signals a clear intent to build a more robust defence for the future.
