Chelsea Identify Inter Milan Pair In Potential Romelu Lukaku Deal This Summer

Chelsea have identified Inter Milan pair Stefan de Vrij and Denzel Dumfries as potential transfer targets this summer, according to reports.

This comes after the Serie A side have identified Romelu Lukaku as a transfer target this summer.

As reported by Tuttosport, Chelsea are ready to make a move for both Dumfries and de Vrij in the summer.

The report states that de Vrij is set for an Inter departure this summer as Chelsea have made him a transfer target this summer.

This is in addition to Dumfries, who had previously been identified as a target by Thomas Tuchel’s side.

Reece James and Cesar Azpilicueta are currently the only two natural right-sided wing-backs in Tuchel’s squad, with the captain linked with a move to Barcelona in the transfer window.

Denzel Dumfries and Stefan de Vrij embracing with their national team, Netherlands. (Alamy)

With James suffering several injury setbacks last season, a back-up wing-back would be needed at Stamford Bridge and Inter’s interest in Lukaku could see Dumfries brought to Chelsea.

However, the Blues are also in dire need of defensive reinforcements following the departures of Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger.

The German defender has officially been announced as a Real Madrid player, leaving on a free contract.

Christensen was named on Chelsea’s released list this summer as he looks set for a switch to Barcelona.

This could lead to the Blues targeting a move for de Vrij, who has a year left on his contract with the Serie A side.

Recent reports have stated that a return to the Serie A side is on the cards for Lukaku, with both clubs currently in talks over how a deal can be struck.

Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi celebrates with Stefan de Vrij and Denzel Dumfries . (Alamy)

A deal has been made complicated due to Inter Milan’s poor financial situation, despite receiving £97.5 million for Lukaku last summer.

This could lead to Chelsea having to negotiate a player-plus money deal for Lukaku, which could involve one of de Vrij or Dumfries.

It is unclear as to how a deal could be formulated, with the most recent reports believing that Chelsea will demand a £20 million loan fee for Lukaku in the transfer window as he could depart for the season rather than on a permanent move initially.

Tuchel will be given full control over the transfer window this summer and have the final say on incomings and outgoings at Stamford Bridge as he looks to rebuild his squad.

So ultimately, it will be down to the head coach if Chelsea are to bring in one of de Vrij or Dumfries in the transfer window.

Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Inter Milan, Romelu Lukaku

Nick Emms

Digital Content Editor for Absolute Chelsea. Multimedia Sports Journalism Graduate. Experience: Charlton Athletic.

@NJEmms