Report: Chelsea hold talks over move for €45m rated defender, Newcastle also interested | OneFootball

Chelsea have opened negotiations to sign Werder Bremen defender Karim Coulibaly ahead of a possible summer move according to reports.

DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CHELSEA NEWS APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON THE APP STORE

The Blues tried to sign a centre back in January, but failed in their pursuit of Jeremy Jacquet, with the Frenchman opting to sign for Liverpool.

Chelsea are said to still be in the market for a centre half this summer, but they’ve really paid the price for not signing a replacement for Levi Colwill.

Chelsea open negotiations for Werder Bremen’s Karim Coulibaly

It feels like an overhaul is going to take place in the centre back department over the summer, with it possible Tosin Adarabioyo, Trevoh Chalobah and Benoit Badiashile could all leave.

Chelsea have been linked with Nottingham Forest’s Murillo, but it appears they’ve got another name on their radar.

German publication BILD have reported the Blues have opened negotiations to sign Coulibaly, with the 18-year-old attracting interest from a number of top clubs.

The report adds Newcastle along with Chelsea have held serious talks regarding a possible agreement, with Marseille also seen as contenders.

BILD add Werder Bremen’s asking price is €45m, a fee not expected to be an issue for the reported interested sides.

Coulibaly made his Werder Bremen debut in August and the teenager has made 22 appearances in the Bundesliga this season, and is under contract until 2029.

Levi Colwill return getting closer

Whilst Chelsea are in the market for a centre back, Colwill is edging closer to a return to action after suffering an ACL injury before the start of the season.

Colwill has returned to first team training in recent weeks, but Liam Rosenior has insisted he’s still some way from full fitness.

More Stories / Latest News

Report: Chelsea hold talks over move for €45m rated defender, Newcastle also interested

25th Mar 2026, 07:45am

Chelsea panel suggests the club bring back former centre back in transfer discussion

25th Mar 2026, 07:30am

“He really feels” – Fabrizio Romano shares update on Moises Caicedo’s Chelsea future

25th Mar 2026, 07:15am

Chelsea reportedly hope he’ll play again this season, and it’s believed he could get a potential run out for the under-21s against Fulham on April 10th.

If you enjoy Chelsea News coverage and want to see more of it, add us as a preferred source on Google to make us a favourite and see more of our content.

Check out the latest edition of Simon Phillips’ SPTC podcast here: