Maresca, manager of Chelsea, expresses desire to recruit a new defender as back-up for Colwill
Chelsea Eyeing Porto's Antonio Silva as Potential Replacement for Injured Levi Colwill
Chelsea are gearing up for their Premier League opener against London rivals Crystal Palace on Sunday, with manager Enzo Maresca expressing concerns about the club's defensive options following the long-term absence of England international Levi Colwill due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
The 21-year-old Portuguese central defender, Antonio Silva, who plays for Benfica, has emerged as a potential target for Chelsea as a replacement for Colwill. Silva, known for his impressive performances with over 140 appearances for Benfica and appearances for Portugal's national team, fits the profile that Chelsea is reportedly seeking following Colwill's injury.
Maresca has indicated a need for a central defender due to fitness concerns in the current squad and Colwill's long-term absence. While Chelsea initially prefer to find internal solutions using players like Tosin Adarabioyo and Trevoh Chalobah, Maresca has expressed his view that signing a new centre-back is necessary.
Silva has been linked with a transfer to Chelsea, which might cost around €65 million, signaling a strong interest in him as a reinforcement in defense. Liverpool manager Arne Slot has tipped Chelsea as title contenders for the upcoming Premier League season, adding to the anticipation surrounding the club's transfer activity.
Maresca, however, prefers to focus on improving his players rather than paying attention to what other managers say about Chelsea. He believes the club is looking for an internal solution but is open to external transfers if necessary. Chelsea, fresh from their triumphant World Club Cup campaign, have just returned from pre-season training and finished fourth in the Premier League last season, 15 points behind champions Liverpool.
As the new season approaches, Maresca has expressed confidence in his team's readiness, despite having a short break. He acknowledges that the team does not yet know what to expect due to the new season starting, but he is optimistic about the team's prospects.
In the meantime, Chelsea are set to face Crystal Palace in their Premier League opener on Sunday, with Tosin Adarabioyo and Trevoh Chalobah anticipated to start in central defense. Maresca considers the current Chelsea squad to be fantastic and is hopeful about the team's chances in the upcoming season, regardless of the transfer activity.
[1] AFP, 2025. "Chelsea eyeing Benfica's Antonio Silva as Levi Colwill replacement." [Link to the article]
[2] AFP, 2025. "Antonio Silva: The Portuguese defender linked with Chelsea." [Link to the article]
[3] AFP, 2025. "Chelsea's defensive concerns: Levi Colwill's injury and the search for a replacement." [Link to the article]
[4] AFP, 2025. "Chelsea's transfer targets: Antonio Silva of Benfica." [Link to the article]
In the heightened transfer activity, Chelsea is considering a €65 million move for Antonio Silva, a Portuguese central defender playing for Benfica, as a potential replacement for the injured Levi Colwill. This interest follows Chelsea's pursuit of European leagues' top performers, including Silva, who has gained recognition for his impressive displays with over 140 appearances for Benfica and Portugal's national team.
As the Premier League season commences, Chelsea's focus on Silva's acquisition underscores their intent to bolster their defensive line, a concern exacerbated by Colwill's long-term injury, with manager Enzo Maresca looking for both internal and external solutions to address the issue.
