Chelsea could be about to launch their first major transfer offensive of the summer.
Their biggest outgoing of the window has, of course, been Marc Cucurella’s move to Real Madrid.
The Spain international completed his switch after becoming one of Chelsea’s most important players over recent seasons.
His departure immediately created a need for reinforcements at left-back.
Alvaro Carreras is a player who Chelsea have been monitoring, with reports in recent weeks suggesting the club have been carrying out checks on the former Man United academy gem as they assess possible replacements.
Chelsea’s recruitment plans have not been limited to full-back positions.
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The club have continued searching for additions in central defence as well.
Football.london recently reported that Chelsea wanted to add a centre-back capable of competing immediately for a starting place.
Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande has featured prominently in those discussions.
Reports from France claimed Chelsea made contact regarding the Ivory Coast international after learning that he could be available for a figure significantly below his release clause.
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Xabi Alonso’s side have reached out.
Midfield remains another area under review.
Felix Nmecha has been offered to a number of Premier League clubs through intermediaries, including Chelsea.
The Borussia Dortmund midfielder has recently attracted attention after impressing for Germany in the World Cup, and that comes as Enzo Fernandez’s future becomes a major talking point.
Reports from Italy have suggested the Argentine has reached a verbal agreement over personal terms with Real Madrid, and those reports stated that Chelsea were reluctant to lose Fernandez but could soon face direct contact from the Spanish giants.
The striker position has generated speculation as well.
Dusan Vlahovic has been offered to several clubs, including Chelsea, as his camp explore solutions for the Serbia international’s future.
Meanwhile, Nicolas Jackson has been linked with interest from Italy.
Recent reports from England believe Juventus have discussed the possibility of including Jackson in negotiations involving Chelsea transfer target Andrea Cambiaso.
Against that backdrop of rumours, another name has now emerged near the top of Chelsea’s shortlist.
Chelsea prepared to hijack Inter Milan talks for Marco Palestra
According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are prepared to launch a major move for Atalanta sensation Marco Palestra.
His report states that Chelsea are willing to offer more than £43 million for the highly-rated defender.
That figure would place Chelsea ahead of Inter Milan’s current proposal.
Inter have been in ‘advanced’ discussions with Atalanta for around £39 million guaranteed, with a further £4.3 million available through bonuses.
Those negotiations have been ongoing for around a week, but now Chelsea are seemingly ready to hijack them with an offer of their own.
However, Chelsea are now attempting to enter the race aggressively.
The London club are understood to be willing to exceed Inter’s financial package.
Romano’s report on X also claims Chelsea are prepared to offer the player improved personal terms compared to those currently available in Milan.
As a result, the decision could ultimately rest with both Palestra and Atalanta.
The player is regarded as one of the most promising young defenders in Italian football, and his development in Serie A has attracted interest from several major European clubs.
Chelsea’s recruitment team have placed a strong emphasis on signing elite young talent in recent transfer windows, and the ‘complete’ Palestra fits that profile.
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The west Londoners really want him.