Chelsea transfer news: Bayern Munich 'hold initial talks' for defender

A Chelsea defender has reportedly emerged as a potential transfer target for Bayern Munich.

Having appointed Enzo Maresca as the club's new head coach, the Blues recruitment team will now attempt to assemble a squad that is suited to the Italian's style of play.

While there are already a wide array of players at Stamford Bridge who fit the mould, Chelsea have moved to add Fulham centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo to their squad ahead of 2024-25.

That deal has naturally led to speculation that a defender could soon be leaving the West Londoners as co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital attempt to boost the club's position with the Premier League's financial rules.

Reports have indicated that Trevoh Chalobah - who starred at the back end of last season - is the player most likely to be moved on due to his status as an academy graduate, which means pure profit in the books should he be sold.

The assumption has been that Chalobah is viewed as the best possible defensive option due to another homegrown talent being viewed as part of Chelsea's future, yet it appears that Boehly and Clearlake may soon have a decision to make.

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Bayern take interest in Colwill

According to Sky Sport Deutschland journalist Florian Plettenberg, who was commenting on X, Bayern have identified Levi Colwill as a potential addition.

Although Colwill is said to have had admirers at the Allianz Arena for some time, he has emerged as a possible target in the event that Bayern cannot tempt Jonathan Tah into leaving Bayer Leverkusen.

Plettenberg adds that Bayern like that the England international is left-footed, as used to Chelsea's benefit at left-back at times last season.

Bayern are said to have already held discussions over a potential deal, although negotiations could drag on if they are waiting on a decision from Tah or Leverkusen.

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Are Chelsea likely to consider a sale?

Boehly and Clearlake will be aware that selling Colwill would potentially generate twice as much money as they would get from parting ways with Chalobah.

For that reason alone, nothing can be ruled out, but Colwill is on a contract until 2029, an indication that the hierarchy value his ability and potential.

Injury restricted the former Brighton & Hove Albion loanee to 32 appearances in all competitions last season, but he had been a regular fixture at left-back up until the start of March.

If Bayern are to get anywhere in negotiations, they will need to offer at least £50m, something which seems unlikely given that they wish to strengthen in other departments.