Marc Guehi tops the list of available centre-backs this summer, with Liverpool reportedly leading the charge for the Crystal Palace captain. Meanwhile, Arsenal is eyeing several young defenders, including Gonçalo Inácio and Cristhian Mosquera, to strengthen their backline.
As the summer transfer window heats up, several Premier League clubs are looking to bolster their defensive ranks with a new centre-back. With top defenders available across Europe, a number of exciting names are on the market, including Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi and several promising youngsters.
Here’s a closer look at the best available centre-backs, their current situations, and potential moves:
10. Ousmane Diomande (Sporting CP)
The Ivorian defender has attracted attention from several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal and Manchester United, but it appears that Crystal Palace is poised to secure his services. If Palace captain Marc Guehi moves, Diomande would be a solid replacement, with a strong blend of youth and experience. Diomande is set to play a key role in the next phase of his career, likely making a move to England soon.
9. Cristhian Mosquera (Valencia)
At just 21 years old, Mosquera is one of the brightest young prospects in La Liga. He’s made 37 appearances for Valencia and remains under contract for one more season. Arsenal has reportedly had personal terms agreed for the young Spaniard, though Valencia has been resistant to selling. If Mosquera makes the move to the Emirates, he’d provide crucial depth behind William Saliba, offering both defensive solidity and the potential for future development.
8. Giorgio Scalvini (Atalanta)
Scalvini’s stock has taken a slight hit due to injury setbacks, but the 21-year-old remains a highly regarded talent. Having missed much of last season due to an ACL injury, he’s recently been recovering, and clubs like Newcastle United have shown interest. However, Atalanta may be hesitant to let him go for less than a substantial fee, considering his immense potential. If Scalvini stays healthy, he could be one of the most sought-after centre-backs in Europe in the coming seasons.
7. Jakub Kiwior (Arsenal)
The Polish defender made a successful integration into the Arsenal lineup last season, particularly after Gabriel Magalhães’ injury. Despite being limited in minutes, Kiwior’s strong performances have shown he has what it takes to compete at the highest level. Arsenal is reportedly keen to retain Kiwior, and if they were to sell, his left-footed versatility would make him a valuable asset on the market.
6. Antonio Silva (Benfica)
Silva, 21, has been one of the standout defenders in the Portuguese league and is already drawing significant attention from clubs across Europe, including Chelsea and Manchester United. While Benfica is known for being tough negotiators, Silva’s performances at such a young age are earning him the right to a big move. With 140 appearances for Benfica under his belt, the Portuguese international is one of the most exciting centre-backs around.
5. Gonçalo Inácio (Sporting CP)
With a hefty £51m release clause, Inácio is one of the most sought-after defenders in Europe. Manchester United has long been linked with the Portuguese star, but with other priorities in mind, they may look elsewhere. If United does not pursue Inácio, other clubs, including Liverpool, may jump at the opportunity to sign him. The 22-year-old’s potential is undeniable, and he could be a game-changer in the Premier League.
4. Loïc Badé (Sevilla)
Badé has had a somewhat nomadic journey, moving from Ligue 2 to Rennes, then to Nottingham Forest on loan, and finally landing at Sevilla, where he’s made an impact. His performances in La Liga and the Europa League have drawn praise, with the French international now expected to take the next step in his career. A move to the Premier League seems inevitable, and Badé could bring his impressive form to a new challenge.
3. Carlos Lukeba (RB Leipzig)
Lukeba, 22, has drawn attention from top clubs, including Real Madrid, with his performances for Leipzig in the Bundesliga. A highly-rated left-footed defender, Lukeba has the qualities to shine at the top level. However, with a release clause of €90m (£77.5m), it’s uncertain whether any club will trigger it this summer. His potential remains undeniable, and Liverpool, among others, could make a move if the price is right.
2. Edmond Tapsoba (Bayer Leverkusen)
At 26, Tapsoba may be older than most of the players on this list, but he has proven his quality in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues. The Burkina Faso international was a key figure in Leverkusen’s impressive 2023/24 campaign, playing 46 games and helping them secure a strong finish. Tapsoba is ready for a step up to a bigger club and could be an excellent addition for any Premier League side looking for an experienced defender.
1. Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace)
Guehi’s name has been linked with top Premier League clubs, most notably Liverpool, who are reportedly interested in signing the Palace captain. With just one year left on his contract, Palace could be open to selling him this summer. Guehi is one of the brightest defensive talents in England, and at just 23, he has a long career ahead of him. If Liverpool can secure his signature, they would be adding a key player to their defence for years to come. His move to a Champions League club seems inevitable, and he remains the standout option among the available centre-backs.
