Chelsea have identified Kyle Walker-Peters as a potential transfer target as Inter Milan have blocked talks for Denzel Dumfries, according to reports.
This comes as the Blues are reportedly ready to make a move for Brighton and Hove Albion wing-back Marc Cucurella.
It was revealed that personal terms are not an issue for the 24-year-old, who won the Seagulls’ Player of the Season award for his performances last campaign.
This will free Malang Sarr, who is set to join AS Monaco on a loan deal with an option to buy.
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A right wing-back signing could see similar consequences for Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta, who will be allowed to pursue a move to Barcelona if the Blues can secure a replacement by the end of the summer transfer window.
Inter Milan defender Denzel Dumfries has previously been linked, with it reported that the Serie A side will not accept anything less than €35-40 million for the Dutch defender.
It remains to be seen as to whether the Blues would be willing to meet that valuation as they have done for Cucurella, with Chelsea having agreed several deals already this summer.
Kalidou Koulibaly arrived for £34 million from Napoli, while Raheem Sterling joined Tuchel’s side for £50 million.
The latest addition to the Blues has seen Gabriel Slonina arrive at Stamford Bridge from Chicago Fire for £12 million, with the goalkeeper spending the remainder of the MLS season on loan at his boyhood club.
Chelsea also agreed a surprise £20 million fee with Aston Villa for 18-year-old Carney Chukwuemeka as they add to their squad ahead of the new season.
Now, a new target has been identified and Chelsea could once again raid a Premier League side.
As reported initially by transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are considering making a move for Walker-Peters of Southampton.
He has been discussed internally at the club and these will continue after Cucurella’s signing is complete.
He remains one of the options alongside Dumfries, who is top of the list but the Blues have still not submitted a bid.
Jacob Steinberg added to this, stating that Walker-Peters is seen as a player who can provide competition for Reece James.
A deal is said to be possible at around £30-35 million this summer, as Chelsea could make a move for the England international.
The pursuit of the former Tottenham Hotspur defender could become a possibility as Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has revealed that Inter Milan have blocked further developments in the saga for Dumfries.
The Serie A side do not wish to sell the wing-back, with further developments expected despite talks being blocked for now.
It remains unclear as to who Chelsea will move for as Tuchel looks to add to his squad before the end of the summer transfer window.
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Southampton, Inter Milan, Transfers, Football, Premier League
Nick Emms