Chelsea are interested in Peterborough United defender Ronnie Edwards, with director of football Barry Fry discussing a potential move.
The 19-year-old made 38 appearances last season for the Posh, including 34 in the EFL Championship and impressed despite his side’s relegation.
Chelsea have already begun planning for the future, having brought in Eddie Beach and Omari Hutchinson for the academy sides this summer.
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Furthermore, Carney Chukwuemeka was brought in from Aston Villa for a fee of £20 million as Thomas Tuchel plans for the future.
The Blues are also looking to seal a deal for Inter Milan youngster Cesare Casadei, preparing a third bid for the Italian.
Chelsea head coach Tuchel has admitted the need for a long-term plan to replace Thiago Silva and Cesar Azpilicueta in the Blues defence.
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“We need to make sure we have a new generation to take over in the next years but the guys are strong, that is why they have our trust,” he said. “Yes, there needs to be a balance.
“The game, in general, is very physical and demands a lot. Azpi is the legend that he is, Thiago is still very important to us.
“But, in general, it is the fact that — like the goalkeeper and the two holding midfielders — they are in their thirties and that is just what it is.”
With Edwards being 19-years-old and one of the most impressive young defenders in England, Chelsea could look to him for the future.
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The likes of Levi Colwill, Ethan Ampadu and Trevoh Chalobah are all Chelsea players, gaining experience at a young age.
As reported by Adam Newson of football.london, Chelsea are considering an approach for Edwards this summer.
Furthermore, Peterborough United’s director of football Fry has admitted that Chelsea have watched the defender but are yet to submit a bid.
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He said: “They came to watch (Chelsea loanee goalkeeper) Lucas Bergstrom, but they were taken by Ronnie.
“They haven’t made a bid yet. They certainly like him.”
It remains to be seen whether the defender will join the club this summer, with Chelsea prioritising first team additions such as Wesley Fofana, who has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.
One thing is for sure, the Blues must prepare for the future of their defence or risk having another expensive rebuild at the back in the near future.
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Chelsea could opt to send Edwards back on loan to League One or opt to keep him for their youth teams this season.
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Football, Transfers
Nick Emms