Chelsea have made an enquiry for Inter Milan’s Milan Skriniar as they attempt to rival Tottenham for the defender, according to reports.
Blues boss Thomas Tuchel is set to be handed a big summer transfer budget to bolster his squad following the completion of the £4.5billion Todd Boehly takeover.
Chelsea are said to be looking to spend as much as £200m on new players this summer, with defence a priority area to upgrade.
After the departure of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen upon the expiry of their contracts at the end of June, Tuchel will need reinforcements at centre-back.
The Daily Mail report that the Blues have asked Inter about Skriniar – a player Tottenham are also interested in.
However, Chelsea and Inter are said to be some way apart on a fee for the Slovakia international.
Skriniar helped secure the Scudetto for the Italian club last year, while they finished second behind AC Milan in the 2021/22 campaign.
Sevilla defender Jules Kounde has also been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge and is said to be a priority for the west London club.
Arsenal hero Paul Merson feels the outgoing Rudiger will be difficult to replace for Chelsea.
‘Antonio Rudiger’s been absolutely outstanding for Chelsea. I can’t remember him having a bad game if I’m being honest,’ Merson told Sportskeeda.
‘He’s been consistently brilliant in the Premier League this season. Rudiger’s going to be a massive miss for Thomas Tuchel next season.
‘He’s going to be a hard one to replace, and I’m not sure if the likes of Kalidou Koulibaly and Jules Kounde can fill his boots. If there is a worry for Chelsea this year, it’s finding Rudiger’s replacement.’
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