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Two Serie A stars named as ideal Chelsea signings but doubt cast on Chilwell transfer
Chelsea have been urged to sign a centre-back in the mould of Kalidou Koulibaly or Milan Skriniar this summer.
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Chelsea are on the hunt for defensive reinforcements during the summer transfer window and have been told to target a commanding central defender in the mould of Kalidou Koulibay or Milan Skriniar. They are also looking for a new left-back as part of a major squad overhaul but are currently unable to meet Leicester's asking price for Ben Chilwell.
Chelsea manager Frank Lampard is in the process of revamped his first-team squad at Stamford Bridge, with deals for Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner already secured ahead of next season.
Bayer Leverkusen ace Kai Havertz appears to be next on the club's transfer wishlist but the Blues also want to upgrade their defence in order to challenge for a title next season.
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They are currently targeting Leicester ace Chilwell but could be priced out of a deal with the Foxes demanding £80million for the England international while they have been told to look to Serie A for a new centre-back.
Speaking to TalkChelsea, Bleacher Report journalist Dean Jones said: "They want a centre back and left-back as priority.
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"There’s potential to sign a central midfielder if [N'Golo] Kante or Jorginho leave. And then there is the need for another forward as well.
"I think a Koulibaly or Skriniar-type signing at the back is possible.
"Ben Chilwell is definitely a deal they have looked at, but Leicester’s asking price is too high at the moment.
"Havertz is a very interesting one because there is currently no competition to sign him, which is crazy. He is so good. That would be an unbelievable signing."
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Chelsea have been linked with Napoli ace Koulibaly in previous transfer windows, although Senegalese defender is under contract at the Stadio Sao Paolo until 2023 and would be an expensive signing this summer.
Likewise, Skriniar is tied down until 2023 at Inter Milan and has long been considered a top target for Manchester United so it would take a large investment from the Blues to sign either experienced centre-back.
"They are not alone in this problem – Liverpool, Man City, Man United all need a new, good centre back too," said Jones.
"I’m told Chelsea just want someone to come in and show some authority and bring more confidence to those around them.
"I’m not sure which defenders will end up leaving – to be honest there are only a couple that are definitely safe."
Cesar Azpilicueta and Reece James look to be secure at Stamford Bridge but Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen, Kurt Zouma and Fikayo Tomori have all been inconsistent this season.
Meanwhile, left-backs Emerson Palmieri and Marcos Alonso have both been linked with moves to Serie A and are expected to depart.
Chilwell is top of Chelsea wishlist in that department but they may be forced to opt for Alex Telles or Nicholas Tagliafico as more affordable options if they spend big elsewhere.