tl.Chelsea identify £85M centre-back as Thiago Silva replacement; ready to axe three Chelsea stars for him.

Chelsea have identified the defender as the best replacement for Thiago Silva.

The Blues already have three key players in that position but could axe them for the defender.

Chelsea are interested in signing Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo, according to Mundo Deportivo.

The Catalan publication reports that the Blues have been seeking a “replacement for Thiago Silva” and they have identified the Uruguayan international as a top target.

Araujo is a key player for Barca but they may have to reluctantly sell him after talks over a contract extension stalled. The La Liga side have offered a new deal but the defender hasn’t signed on the dotted line.

With the 25-year-old closing in on the final two years of his contract, a sale could be considered for the right price.

Lille’s Leny Yoro has been scouted but the teenager could cost even more than Araujo despite being a relatively inexperienced player.

Nottingham Forest’s Murillo is another name that has been mentioned as a potential target but those rumours seemed to have cooled in recent weeks.

There have been some suggestions that Chelsea could try and sign Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo. The 26-year-old will be available on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of next month. However, it is believed that Newcastle are firm favourites to secure his services.

There is no doubt that a new centre-half is needed. Silva is leaving while Trevoh Chalobah could be sold as well, and it would leave the club with just Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile, Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana as options in that position.

While Mundo Deportivo don’t mention a specific price tag, previous reports have claimed that Barcelona have set a valuation in the region of €100m (£85m).

It is not known whether the Blues are prepared to pay such a fee for a centre-half, considering they also have to strengthen in other positions this summer, including striker, left-back and goalkeeper.