Chelsea looking for key defensive signing this month

Chelsea are looking to sign a new central defender for manager Mauricio Pochettino during the current transfer window.

The Blues have yet to make any moves this month, but they are actively looking at potential targets to reinforce the squad.

One of their top priorities is a new centre-back and the club have identified Antonio Silva and Ousmane Diomande as options.

Silva has been a revelation since his debut for Benfica in September 2021 and he is currently one of the most sought-after defenders.

The Portuguese has a release clause worth €100m in his existing contract with the Primeira Liga champions and may not leave for less.

The same can be said for Diomande, who is one of the best emerging centre-backs. The Ivorian only joined Sporting last winter.

Sporting won't sell him for less than his €80m buy-out clause. To sign either player, Chelsea will first need to recoup funds from sales.

The likes of Trevoh Chalobah, Ian Maatsen and Conor Gallagher could be sold in the transfer window to accumulate transfer funds.