Chelsea have identified their main target for bolstering their defensive line ahead of next season. 

Frank Lampard has named Jose Gimenez as his ideal defensive signing for the summer, according to Football Insider. Defence has been an area of concern for the Blues this campaign, which saw them leak 54 Premier League goals – the worst record of any other top ten side.

The report claims Atletico Madrid have a £110million release clause in place for Gimenez, but Chelsea are hoping to sign the Uruguay international for much less. A fee of £60m has been branded ideal for Chelsea, who will push for his signature once the La Liga side have finished their Champions League run.

According to The Times, Lampard is willing to cash in on four senior defenders this window in order to stock up on funds to kit out his squad. Marcos Alonso, Emerson, Kurt Zouma and Andreas Christensen are all on the market and able to leave Stamford Bridge.

Roman Abramovich has allegedly granted Lampard a £120m budget to splash out on new recruits, on top of the money already spent on Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner.

Gimenez has been limited to just 26 appearances across all competitions this season, missing a total of 19 games due to numerous injury problems (via Transfermarkt). However, this hasn't put the West London side off, who are eager to see this 25-year-old join their youthful team as they push for silverware next term.

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