Journalist names two exciting centre backs targets that would fit Chelsea this summer

Jan Paul van Hecke celebrates. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

Journalist names two exciting centre backs targets that would fit Chelsea this summer

Originally posted on Chelsea News | By Simon Phillips | Last updated Apr 16, 2026 12:57 AM ET

Journalist Kieran Gill has named two centre backs that he believes would fit what Chelsea are after this summer.

The Daily Mail reporter has linked both Jan Paul van Hecke of Brighton, and Maxence Lacroix of Crystal Palace as being the profiles that Chelsea will be looking to add into the heart of their defence this summer alongside Levi Colwill as the perfect partner to compliment him.

These are two names that would excite Chelsea fans as well. So probably, neither would ever happen!

We all know that Chelsea’s strict wage structure will prove difficult to win the race for some of the big names such as this, if other clubs come in and offer them more money, which is highly likely here.

Gill on centre backs

When speaking about Chelsea’s summer transfer window plans ahead in his latest article on The Daily Mail, Gill stated that two centre backs who seem to fit what the club are looking for in a partner to Colwill are Van Hecke and Lacroix.

Now these are two names that many could get behind for sure.

Chelsea are suffering as a team, and individually too. The stats for the season show a big decline in Blues performing at their best. Moises Caicedo has dropped from 6th to 66th now in one key stat.

Chelsea are looking likely to fall into the “Ten Hag Trap” of keeping Liam Rosenior even after it’s clear he’s not up to it. They’ve been warned about that this week.

This article first appeared on Chelsea News and was syndicated with permission.

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