Shock Sven Botman transfer speculation provides Chelsea vs Newcastle twist

Chelsea are considering a move for Newcastle United defender Sven Botman this summer, according to reports. Toon chiefs headhunted the Dutchman as one of the key transfer targets following the Saudi-backed takeover. While the threat of relegation initially alarmed Botman, he arrived in the summer for £32million.

The 24-year-old has been an ever-present since, aside from an injury setback earlier this season. Botman - who played with an ACL tear in September without realising it - is now regarded as one of the Premier League’s best defenders.

His partnership with Fabian Schar has been a key reason for the Magpies’ success under Eddie Howe. But an update from Chelsea reporter Simon Phillips has claimed the Blues are now targeting Botman to bolster their defensive options.

Chelsea have struggled for a settled backline throughout 2023-24 due to injuries. Benoit Badiashile and Wesley Fofana suffered long-term injuries while doubts remain over Thiago Silva’s age.

Levi Colwill has also played at full-back while Axel Disasi continues to struggle - leaving a void in the Blues backline. The piece also named Marc Guehi, a former Chelsea academy player, as a potential target. Newcastle could demand a hefty fee for Botman given his importance to their cause and contract length. Signed almost two years ago, the defender’s current deal runs until 2027 and is not understood to have a release clause.

CEO Darren Eales suggested in January that the Magpies may need to offload stars to create "headroom" for FFP/PSR regulations. Botman is regarded as one of the "big three" Newcastle stars, alongside Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak.