Nice has informed Chelsea target Jean-Clair Todibo that they are willing to sell him in 2024. Chelsea is eyeing the French center-back as a potential replacement for Thiago Silva, who, at 39, is nearing the end of his contract. Silva himself has acknowledged his uncertain future, stating, “I’m just focused on enjoying my final year of contract at Chelsea. I don’t know what’s gonna happen next year.”
With Trevoh Chalobah’s Chelsea career concluding, the team’s senior center-back options would be Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, Axel Disasi, and Levi Colwill, should Silva depart. However, Fofana is recovering from knee ligament surgery, and his return to top form by the start of the 2024-25 season is uncertain.
Todibo, a potential replacement for Silva, has been given the green light by Nice to leave in 2024. The 23-year-old former Barcelona player has performed admirably during his time at the French club.
Todibo’s skills have also garnered interest from Manchester United and Newcastle, alongside Chelsea. It’s worth noting that Nice may consider an earlier departure in January, depending on their Ligue 1 performance.
Chelsea has scouted Todibo, who plays on the right side of the center-back partnership similar to Silva. Although he is under contract with Nice until 2027, the club is open to a deal in the New Year to maximize their financial return. The exact transfer fee remains undisclosed, but an approximate figure of £35 million has been suggested, representing a reasonable price for a standout Ligue 1 defender.
In recent Premier League matches, Silva and Levi Colwill formed Chelsea’s center-back duo, with Colwill temporarily shifted to left-back, and Disasi taking the right-sided central defender role. Chelsea has made several additions to their defensive options in recent transfer windows, including Disasi, Fofana, and Badiashile, while Colwill, a 20-year-old Englishman, has also been integrated into the first team after a loan spell at Brighton last season.