Chelsea open talks to sign Zenit defender Ezequiel Garay

The Chelsea manager is seemingly desperate to add another centre-back to his squad before the end of the summer transfer window next Tuesday, with the Daily Mail reporting that Garay has become the latest option to be considered.

The Blues have endured a hard start to the 2015/16 campaign, with their normally air-tight defence conceding eight goals in their first three games.

With only a week left in the window, Chelsea are in a hurry to push though an agreement and are confident that they will be able to agree a deal for the 28-year-old defender.

The news comes on the same day that Sky Sports report that another believed Chelsea target, John Stones [Mirror], has handed in a transfer request at Everton.

Garay has also earned 31 caps for Argentina and played a major role in their run to the World Cup and Copa America finals. John Terry has been surprisingly below par with age slowly catching up, while Branislav Ivanovic hasn’t been convincing either.

However, Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has now reported that Chelsea are showing an interest in Garay and are currently in discussions over the possibility of bringing him to Stamford Bridge.

As our landlord here in the Tavern quips, Garay is a seasoned professional, who has proved himself at the top – this could prove to be a very strong signing for Chelsea, should the Stones negotiations fall through as it looks like they will. Chelsea are aware that the 21-year-old would like to discuss a move, but remains unable to unless Everton give him the green light.