Chelsea will sign one of Matthijs de Ligt of Juventus or Inter defender Milan Skriniar this summer, according to reports in Italy.
The Blues have lost both Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen on free transfers this summer.
Therefore, Chelsea will enter the market for at least two central defenders this transfer window.
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Thomas Tuchel has been handed control of incomings, with the Blues targeting a squad rebuild under the Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital ownership.
Nathan Ake is the most recent name to be linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge, potentially completing his return to Chelsea from Manchester City this summer.
The Dutch defender is seen as an ideal left sided central defender for Tuchel’s back three, having previously identified him as a target at Borussia Dortmund.
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De Ligt has also been identified as a target this season, jumping ahead of Sevilla defender Jules Kounde as the Blues’ priority.
Kounde was previously heavily linked with a move to Chelsea previously, with Tuchel confirming their interest last summer.
He said: “It was clear we tried for Kounde and Saul and it was very, very late but it was a very, very smooth transfer window because I had full concentration on training and on my team.”
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Latest reports have also linked the Blues with a move for Inter Milan’ Skriniar.
Italian sources stated that Chelsea will ‘deepen discussions’ over the Slovakian after making an enquiry during negotiations for Romelu Lukaku.
Lukaku is set to be announced as an Inter Milan player once again this week, joining on a season-long loan from Chelsea.
The latest reports from Gianluca Di Marzio have stated that the Blues will not sign both Skriniar and De Ligt this summer, however.
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The Blues must decide between the pair as they look to plug the hole in their defence.
A top-level defender is being targeted and Chelsea are thought to be interested in Serie A defenders.
De Ligt is one player that they are seriously keen on bringing in, while Skriniar has been identified more recently.
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However, the Blues will face competition for Skriniar, whereas they look to be having a free run at De Ligt this summer.
Inter are already planning a replacement for the Slovakian, who could cost as much as £70 million if a bidding war emerges with PSG.
It remains to be seen as to who Chelsea will choose out of the pair, but Tuchel is keen to bring in Premier League experience at the back alongside one of the two from the Serie A.
Ake or Kounde could also join, with the former Blue being discussed alongside other potential deals this summer.
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Inter Milan, Juventus, Matthijs De Ligt, Milan Skriniar, Football, Transfers
Nick Emms