Chelsea hope they can agree the signing of one defensive target in the coming weeks.
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Mauricio Pochettino’s exit after the end of the season was mutually agreed, so now it will fall on a new head coach to take charge in the 2024/25 campaign.
The latest speculation suggests that Chelsea already have plans on signing a new defender. In fact, they want the deal wrapped up for him quickly.
Chelsea target £25m left-back
GiveMeSport claims that Chelsea have set their sights on Brest defender Bradley Locko after his impressive season.
The 22-year-old left-back has been a key starter for a Brest side that surprised many to finish third in the French Ligue 1.
It is explained that Chelsea have been keeping tabs on the young French full-back. In fact, their plan is to try beat off rival buyers by reaching an agreement for Locko in ‘the coming weeks’.
The report adds that Brest have put their star defender up for sale this summer but want around £25m for his signature.
Chelsea do already have senior left-backs Marc Cucurella and Ben Chilwell in the squad, plus Ian Maatsen is out on loan. The Blues are going to try add another left-sided defender, though.
Who is Bradley Locko?
Locko’s a promising young left-back that has been impressing in Ligue 1, but he may be unfamiliar to English audiences.
The youngster’s football education has all been in his homeland France. His career has really lifted off since transferring to Brest in 2023, though.
Locko ranks second in the entire Ligue 1 division this season when it comes to tackles made (97). Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte is the only player in the French top league to actually make more tackles than him (98).
Locko’s a modern full-back as well that gets up and down the pitch, creating three assists this season.
Locko is joint-first in Ligue 1 for most crosses into the penalty area, excluding set-pieces (26).