Chelsea transfer news: Blues 'willing to pay €60m' for Paris Saint-Germain defender

The Blues are currently enjoying a strong start to life under Enzo Maresca, sitting in third position in the Premier League table after 13 matches.

Maresca is of the opinion that the West Londoners can dominate English football across the next decade, despite ruling out a title bid during 2024-25.

Attacking stars such as Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson have been dominating the headlines this season, but Chelsea are yet to concede more than twice in a game in Maresca's 21 matches in charge.

Nevertheless, it appears that Chelsea will continue to give consideration to ways in which they can strengthen their backline in the future.

Pacho a surprise Chelsea target?

According to Fichajes, Chelsea have placed Pacho on a list of potential targets ahead of the upcoming transfer windows.

Pacho is less than six months into a five-year contract at Parc des Princes having signed from Eintracht Frankfurt for a fee that could rise to €45m.

The 23-year-old has since made 15 starts and one substitute outing in all competitions, immediately cementing a place in Luis Enrique's XI.

Although the Ecuador international is seemingly happy in Paris and is justifying his price-tag, it is claimed that Chelsea are ready to try to tempt PSG into a sale.

Club officials have reportedly decided that they are prepared to shell out €60m (£49.7m) for a defender who has emerged as one of the most highly-regarded in European football

Why a deal looks highly unlikely

PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi indicated earlier this week, when dismissing speculation regarding Mohamed Salah, that the Ligue 1 outfit are eager to build a young team that will flourish in future years.

Pacho has since proven that he can remain a key part of PSG's project at a time when they do not need to sell any key players.

Meanwhile, Chelsea already have Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill, Benoit Badiashile, Tosin Adarabioyo and Axel Disasi on their books for the middle of the defence.

With Badiashile and Disasi the only players of that five who may emerge as a realistic target for PSG, any deal is highly unlikely in the short term.

Written by

Darren Plant