The signing of a central defender depends on exits and the club have to fund the purchase of a striker and a right-footed winger too. There are two questions to answer on the issue: why Chelsea are pursuing another player in this position at all and what are the ramifications for those centre-backs at the club?

Chelsea are monitoring three defenders in case they lose the transfer race to sign AFC Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen, according to reports. It was reported on Wednesday that Chelsea were in pole position to land the Cherries centre-back,

The 20-year-old joined from Juventus last year, following a loan spell with Roma. His reported £50million release clause could prove a stumbling block if Chelsea don’t finish in the top five, but they have defensive players who could potentially head in the other direction to help dilute any fee.