According to the European press, as reported on Sky Sports, Chelsea will try to sign Kostas Manolas from Roma.
The defender made headlines this season when he scored the goal to knock out Barcelona in Roma’s amazing Champions League comeback.
Sky say that the Blues will trigger the central defender’s €36m release clause to bring him to the club, following the arrival of his former teammate Antonio Rudiger last summer.
It would represent good value for a defender who is establishing himself as a very solid Serie A player, but is it really what the Blues need?
Their central defensive options are extensive, and there are numerous other deficiencies in the team. A right back and a central midfielder look to be top of the list.
On the other hand, if David Luiz and Gary Cahill are both moved on this summer, there would unquestionably be space for another option, especially if the team continue with a three at the back system.
Go Get Him – Maurizio Sarri Green Lights Chelsea’s Pursuit Of Arsenal and Man Utd Target
Maurizio Sarri has given his approval to Chelsea’s pursuit of CSKA Moscow midfielder Aleksandar Golovin, who is also firmly on Manchester United, Arsenal and Juventus’ radar.
The former Napoli boss is expected to be appointed as the new Chelsea manager soon and he has already been putting forward his requests for players who he wants to add to the squad this summer.
Chelsea also have their own list of summer transfer targets and the club have been consulting Sarri over the players they should look to bring in the ongoing window.
And according to Italian daily Tuttosport, the former banker has green lit Chelsea’s pursuit of CKSA midfielder Golovin, who has been a star for Russia in the World Cup.
The Russian midfielder has been on Chelsea’s radar, with Manchester United and Arsenal also said to be keeping tabs on the CSKA star during the summer transfer window.
Sarri is prepared to let Chelsea make a move for the 22-year-old this summer, but for the moment they are trailing behind Juventus in the transfer chase.
The Italian champions have been in talks with CSKA and the midfielder’s representatives over the last few weeks to get a deal over the line.
CSKA are claimed to be valuing the midfielder at around €25m.