Having missed out on several of their defensive transfer targets like Matthijs De Ligt, and Jules Kounde, the Blues are now turning their attention towards Wolves central defender Max Kilman according to transfer journalist Dean Jones.
Despite the arrival of Senegalese international Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli, Chelsea are still looking for more central defenders in the market. Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger have departed Stamford Bridge for Barcelona and Real Madrid in Spain, respectively, on free transfers following the expiry of their contracts. Club captain Cesar Azpilicueta also continues to court interest from the Blaugrana, and the London club needs an influx of defensive signings.
Their activity in the transfer market has not gone according to plan, and the Blues have been on the receiving end of rejections several times. They wanted to get Matthijs De Ligt from Juventus before Bayern arrived and swooped the Dutchman. Chelsea explored the possibility of signing Nathan Ake, but Manchester City shut the door and refused to sell.
Later on, they almost had Sevilla defender Jules Kounde, who almost moved to Stamford Bridge last summer, before Barcelona sensationally secured the signing of the Frenchman.
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Chelsea are said to be now targeting Wolverhampton Wanderers central defender Max Kilman past. In February, talkSPORT had claimed that the Blues were considering a summer transfer move for the 25-year-old after he proved to be impressive last season.
The Englishman will also be an economically viable addition to Thomas Tuchel’s side. Despite having just under four years on his contract at the Molineux Stadium, Kilman is valued around 16 million euros by Transfermakrt, which is much lesser when compared to Ake and Kounde as well as Paris Saint-Germain’s Presnel Kimpembe, who has also been linked with Chelsea.
When asked about centre-back alternatives after the disappointment of missing out on Kounde, Jones told GiveMeSport:
“There are other players that they’re interested in. I think Max Kilman might be one of them at Wolves, so that might be one to look out for.”
Despite Wolves having an underwhelming campaign last season and finishing mid-table, Kilman was one of their best and most consistent performers throughout the season.
As per WhoScored, he was their best performing defender and registered on average 3.5 clearances per 90 minutes, 1.7 tackles, 1.5 interceptions and 0.7 blocks, which put him in the top four players in the squad for each of those metrics.