Chelsea are interested in signing Manchester United target and Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro this summer, according to reports.
The Red Devils are ready to make a move for the 30-year-old as they look to add to Erik ten Hag’s squad, if reports are to be believed.
United have made a poor start to the Premier League season, losing 2-1 at home to Brighton and Hove Albion on the opening day before being demolished 4-0 by Brentford on the weekend.
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With several individual mistakes coming from midfield, United have turned their attention to the Real Madrid star, who has contributed to recent success for the La Liga side.
However, it may not be a straightforward deal for United, with Chelsea now looking to provide competition to sign Casemiro this summer.
According to Graeme Bailey and Tom Gott from 90min, Chelsea are long-term admirers of Casemiro and would be interested in signing him this summer.
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Chelsea have reportedly been looking at the Brazilian for longer than Man United have, with co-owner Todd Boehly now considering a late bid for the 30-year-old.
A natural defensive midfielder has been part of Chelsea’s transfer wishlist, the report continues to reveal, with scouts looking at Casemiro.
However, the fee could put Chelsea off making a move as Real Madrid would only be tempted into a sale if a fee over £51 million is submitted.
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This would make Casemiro the second most expensive player over the age of 30 of all time, behind Cristiano Ronaldo.
It remains to be seen as to whether Chelsea will attempt to hijack United’s deal, but a midfielder could be on the cards for Thomas Tuchel this summer.
N’Golo Kante sustained a hamstring injury against Tottenham Hotspur, a match which Mateo Kovacic also missed due to a knee injury.
That leaves Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Jorginho and Conor Gallagher as natural central midfielders, while Trevoh Chalobah, Ethan Ampadu, Billy Gilmour and Mason Mount could also play in this role.
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The Blues have been linked with a move for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong this summer as Chelsea could look to add to their options in the centre of the park.
However, it remains unclear as to whether they will pursue a move further for the Dutch international or look to hijack Manchester United’s deal for Casemiro.
The Blues are looking into alternative signings as they wish to boost their attacking and defensive numbers.
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Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Anthony Gordon have been discussed, while a bid for Wesley Fofana cannot be ruled out.
Topics: Chelsea, Casemiro, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Transfers, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Football
Nick Emms