Chelsea are prepared to pay €50m (£44.5m) for Denzel Dumfries in January before loaning him back for the remainder of the season, according to reports out of Italy.
Back in the summer, it was reported by La Repubblica that the Blues were looking to bring the Inter Milan right-back to Stamford Bridge.
However, no such deal materialised as Chelsea’s offer fell short of Inter’s €25m (£23.9m) asking price.
The west Londoners invested heavily in their defence in the summer signings of Wesley Fofana, Kalidou Koulibaly and Marc Cucurella for around £170m, but reports out of Italy now suggest that they could be about to splash out again this winter.
According to Corriere dello Sport, the Cobham-based outfit are willing to offer €50m (£44.5m) for Dumfries in January, in order to persuade the Nerazzurri to part ways with the Dutch defender.
The source suggests that Chelsea would allow for Inter to keep hold of the 26-year-old for the rest of the season before linking up with Graham Potter’s side next summer.
It also states that the Blues wish to have the one-time PSV full-back in the English capital ‘at all costs’ next term and that he is still ‘in their sights’ following Thomas Tuchel’s sacking.
With Cesar Azpilicueta now 33, another option on the right-hand side alongside Reece James would be beneficial, particularly if the latter is used as a centre-back going forward.
Dumfries arrived at the San Siro in the summer of 2021 following an impressive European Championships with Holland.
He grabbed two goals and an assist in four games, including the winner against Ukraine, before getting on the end of a counter-attack versus Austria.
After rampaging to finish the move, the 6 ft 2 in powerhouse was called a ‘freight train’ by BBC commentator Jonathan Pearce.
Since the start of last season, he has netted eight times and provided a further seven assists in 54 appearances.
