Chelsea are making moves behind the scenes as they look to shore up their defense ahead of the summer transfer window. According to reports, the Blues have accelerated their long-term interest in Club Brugge's highly-rated center back, Joel Ordonez.

The 22-year-old Ecuadorian international has been turning heads with his performances in Belgium, and Chelsea sent scouts to watch him in action over the weekend. It's clear the club is impressed with his development, and they're not alone—Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham, and Aston Villa are also tracking the €40m-rated defender.

Ordonez, who is under contract until 2029, has already made 42 appearances across all competitions this season, chipping in with four goals. That kind of production from a center back is hard to ignore, especially for a Chelsea side that has struggled defensively. The Blues haven't kept a Premier League clean sheet since January, and reinforcements are badly needed.

While the return of Levi Colwill from an ACL injury on Monday was a boost, Chelsea still need at least one starting-caliber center back. Names like Murillo and Jan Paul van Hecke have been linked, but Ordonez now appears to be a serious target.

With the summer window approaching, Chelsea are expected to be busy across several areas of the squad, including midfield and attack. But shoring up the backline looks like a top priority—and Ordonez could be the man to help turn things around.