Chelsea have reportedly identified an in-demand La Liga defender as a potential summer transfer target.
The Blues are currently going through a dismal run of form under Enzo Maresca, prevailing in just three of their last 12 matches in all competitions.
On Saturday evening, Chelsea let slip a half-time lead to lose 2-1 at Aston Villa, leaving the club within six points of 11th-placed Brentford.
In terms of defensive numbers, Chelsea now possess just the 10th-best record in the division having conceded 36 goals in 26 top-flight fixtures during 2024-25.
That is partly a consequence of just four clean sheets being kept in those matches, Maresca left with a dilemma regarding his goalkeepers after the latest individual mistake against Villa.
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Chelsea to move for Bade?
However, despite the array of central defenders that Chelsea have on their books, it is alleged that they are interested in adding yet another player to their ranks.
According to Fichajes, the West Londoners are the latest Premier League club to develop an admiration of Sevilla's Loic Bade.
The 24-year-old has established himself as one of the most improved central defenders during his time in Spain on the back of a disastrous loan stint at Nottingham Forest where he failed to play a game.
Eighty appearances have since been made for Sevilla on the back of his January 2023 arrival, Bade arguably the first name on the team sheet at a time when the La Liga side are attempting to move back into the top half of the standings.
Aston Villa and Liverpool have been credited with an interest in the past, the former said to have refused to meet Sevilla's valuation during the winter market.
That said, the report alleges that Chelsea are preparing a €30m (£24.8m) proposal for Bade, one which Sevilla may consider accepting in order to strengthen in several positions.
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Do Chelsea need Bade?
Chelsea's central-defensive contingent currently reads Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill, Tosin Adarabioyo, Trevoh Chalobah, Benoit Badiashile, Josh Acheampong and Aaron Anselmino.
With Fofana's injury issues well documented and Acheampong and Anselmino players for the future, Chelsea have felt the need to bolster their ranks.
Chalobah's potential summer departure would theoretically free up a space in the squad, one that could plausibly be taken by Bade with both players valued in similar price brackets.
Nevertheless, Bade is yet another player with a young to mid-twenties profile. It would be difficult to find many Chelsea supporters who would not be more in favour of acquiring an older player with experience and leadership potential.
Whether that is plausible remains to be seen. If Bade can be signed for in the region of £25m, co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital would likely view that as a coup when the Frenchman could be sold for a profit in the future.
Darren Plant
