The Blues have been scrambling to secure the services of a central defender all summer but finally look set to bring in the Tunisia international.
Chelsea is close to an agreement for Aymen Abdennour on a season-long loan deal from Valencia, sources tell Goal.
The Blues will include an option to buy the 27-year-old in the contract after missing out on him last season, when he moved to Spain from Monaco.
Meanwhile, the Liga outfit plans to replace the Tunisia international with Manchester City's Eliaquim Mangala.
The Frenchman is currently in Valencia discussing terms, and all three clubs are eager for a positive outcome.