Chelsea make the long trip to the North East to face Newcastle United on Saturday evening.
The Blues currently sit fourth in the Premier League table, but victory against the Magpies won’t move them any higher as third-placed Aston Villa sit five points in front.
Enzo Maresca’s side booked a Carabao Cup semi-final with Arsenal or Crystal Palace this week, courtesy of a 3-1 win over League One side Cardiff City in Wales.
Now, ahead of the January transfer window, it appears that the west London outfit are eyeing a move for a Serie A defender.
As per FCInterNews, via CaughtOffside, Chelsea are considering a move to sign Inter Milan defender Andrea Bastoni.
It is claimed that Chelsea boss Maresca is an admirer of the Italian, and he is keen to bring the centre-back to Stamford Bridge.
Bastoni has emerged as a target for both Chelsea and Tottenham (Photo: ZUMA Press, Inc/Alamy)
The Blues will likely face competition in the race to sign the 26-year-old, though, as London rivals Tottenham Hotspur are also said to be interested.
Spurs’ sporting director, Fabio Paratici, is said to have identified the central defender as a prime target for Tottenham.
Bastoni joined Inter from fellow Italian outfit Atalanta back in 2017, and has since spent time on loan back at his former side, as well as with Parma.
He has established himself as a key player for Inter over the past few seasons, though, and has now made more than 275 appearances for the club across all competitions.
While the defender is under contract until 2028, it appears that clubs in England could attempt to lure him away from Italy next year.
Reigning Premier League champions Liverpool are also said to be interested in the defender, amid uncertainty surrounding Ibrahima Konate.