Chelsea ready to pay €50 million for 26-year-old centre-back identified as injury replacement for Levi Colwill: Reports

Chelsea are reportedly prepared to spend up to €50 million to secure the services of a 26-year-old centre-back as they seek an urgent replacement for the injured Levi Colwill. The Blues have identified the Barcelona star as their primary defensive target, with sources suggesting that the club is moving quickly to address the gap left by Colwill’s absence.

The news comes at a critical time for manager Enzo Maresca, who is entering his first full Premier League campaign in charge of the London club. Colwill’s injury has disrupted Chelsea’s defensive plans, forcing the recruitment team to accelerate their search for an experienced and reliable centre-back who can adapt immediately to the demands of English football.

The player in question — widely reported to be Barcelona’s Ronald Araújo — has long been admired by Chelsea scouts. Known for his commanding aerial presence, exceptional reading of the game, and leadership at the back, Araújo fits the profile of a defender who can step straight into a high-pressure environment. His versatility, being comfortable at both centre-back and right-back, adds to his appeal.

Barcelona, however, are not expected to let him go without a fight. Araújo has been vocal about his commitment to the Catalan giants, recently stating: “I’m very happy in Barcelona. They haven’t seen the best Ronald yet, and he’s the one who’s going to come in the coming years. This year I’m very motivated. Mentally, I have a lot of confidence, which I lost a bit of last year with the injury.” These comments underline both his loyalty and his determination to regain top form.

For Chelsea, the financial aspect of the deal will be significant. While €50 million is a substantial investment, the club’s hierarchy believes that securing a defender of Araújo’s calibre could be crucial for their ambitions this season. With Champions League qualification high on the agenda, defensive stability will be essential in navigating the rigors of both domestic and European competitions.

Maresca has already hinted at the need for reinforcements, admitting that replacing Colwill is a priority. “It’s a priority for me, yes, because Levi is a fantastic player. What we achieved last season is because of him also. I love him, I’m going to miss him. We are trying also to find different solutions. It depends — we will wait and see.” His words indicate that while Chelsea have multiple defensive options on their radar, Araújo is at the top of the list.

The challenge for Chelsea lies not only in meeting Barcelona’s valuation but also in convincing the Uruguayan international to make the switch. The Premier League’s physicality and intensity could be a major draw, but leaving Barcelona — where he is viewed as a defensive cornerstone — would require a compelling offer both financially and in terms of career progression.

Chelsea’s interest also reflects a broader transfer strategy under Maresca, which focuses on building a younger but experienced core capable of competing at the highest level for years to come. Bringing in Araújo would not only address the immediate injury crisis but also provide long-term stability in a position where the club has faced inconsistency in recent seasons.

Barcelona, on their part, are juggling their own financial challenges. While they would prefer to keep Araújo, a significant transfer fee could help them balance the books and reinvest in other areas of the squad. However, with Hansi Flick keen to maintain a solid defensive foundation, letting go of such an influential figure would not be an easy decision.

As the transfer window continues, Chelsea’s pursuit of the 26-year-old will be one of the stories to watch. Whether a deal is struck in the coming weeks will depend on Barcelona’s stance, Chelsea’s persistence, and the player’s own willingness to embark on a new chapter in the Premier League. One thing is clear — the Blues are determined to fill the void left by Colwill, and they are willing to make a bold move to do so.