Exclusive: Chelsea Add Newcastle’s Sven Botman to Centre-Back Shortlist

Chelsea will add Newcastle’s Sven Botman to their list of long-term targets if Enzo Maresca can persuade his employers to bolster the club’s options at centre-half, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

The Italian implored The Blues’ hierarchy to invest in defensive reinforcements during the summer transfer window, having lost Levi Colwill to injury. 

Although that plea fell on deaf ears, the sight of Maresca’s side emerging as Arsenal’s nearest challengers in the Premier League title race could persuade BlueCo, the consortium which acquired the west London outfit following Roman Abramovic’s ousting by the UK Government could prompt a rethink as chairman Todd Boehly looks to build on the team’s recent progress. 

Botman, who also interests Liverpool, is among a number of potential signings The Blues’ recruitment gurus would consider if the Italian’s wish is granted. 

Although any deal for Botman is likely to be shrouded in jeopardy for both Chelsea and Newcastle, who saw Alexander Isak complete a controversial and protracted switch to Anfield earlier this year, the prospect of paying a hefty fee to a domestic rival would, for Maresca, be outweighed by the benefits of capturing the Dutchman who has established himself as one of the competition’s most effective stoppers. 

Chelsea are also expected to trim their squad in January, with Raheem Sterling’s sizeable wage packet paving the way for a possible exit amid loan interest from Leeds United and Crystal Palace, while Fulham are preparing a renewed bid for promising forward Tyrique George.

DISCONTENT

Officials in the North-East know that losing another high-profile star is likely to provoke widespread discontent on the terraces following Isak’s departure, particularly given their Saudi Arabian paymasters stated ambitions after taking control. 

However, their position has been weakened by a chequered start to the season which, if it continues, could make Stamford Bridge an attractive destination for Botman’s advisors when their client recovers from ACL surgery. 

The Holland international is expected to make a full recovery, although the fact he has previously suffered a similar injury would serve to drive down Newcastle’s asking price.

Aged 25, Botman started his career with Ajax’s reserve squad before joining Lille following a spell on loan at Heerenveen. Newcastle paid a reported £40m for his services in 2022.