Chelsea have turned their sights to Inter Milan defender Denzel Dumfries this summer

Chelsea set their sights on Inter Milan right-back Denzel Dumfries after falling behind Barcelona in the race for Jules Kounde, with Thomas Tuchel turning his attention elsewhere in his bid for defensive reinforcements

  • Chelsea have turned their attention to Inter Milan defender Denzel Dumfries
  • The Blues dramatically missed out on their long-term target Jules Kounde 
  • Barcelona have struck at the eleventh hour to seal a deal for Sevilla defender
  • Chelsea have reportedly identified Dumfries as target ahead of the new season

Chelsea have set their sights on Inter Milan wing-back Denzel Dumfries after dramatically missing out on the signing of long-term target Jules Kounde, according to the Evening Standard.

Serie A side Inter are in desperate need to sell one of their assets this summer in light of their recent financial struggles.

And the Blues are reportedly preparing to capitalise on the Nerazzurri’s issues with a swoop for defender Dumfries.

Chelsea have turned their sights to Inter Milan defender Denzel Dumfries this summer

Chelsea have turned their sights to Inter Milan defender Denzel Dumfries this summer

Thomas Tuchel’s side have been in a long pursuit of Sevilla defender Kounde this summer, yet have grown frustrated in their inability to seal a deal with the Spanish side.

In a dramatic turn of events, Barcelona have hijacked the transfer and moved to the front of the queue for the Frenchman’s signature.

Barca succeeded with a similar transfer tactic in swooping under the noses of Chelsea to sign Brazilian winger Raphinha from Leeds earlier in the window.

Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen has already departed Stamford Bridge for the Nou Camp, and it seemed likely that Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso would make similar moves. Yet the Blues have now blocked the pair’s transfer in response to missing out on Kounde.

The Blues have missed out on long-term target Sevilla defender Jules Kounde to Barcelona

As a result, Tuchel’s side have shifted their focus to the capture of Inter’s Dumfries. The Blues have already dealt with Inter in the current window as Romelu Lukaku agreed a loan return to the Italian giants.

Dumfries boasted nine goal contributions in 33 Serie A appearances last season and impressed during his maiden campaign in Italy.

The Dutchman was typically deployed in the right wing-back berth for Simone Inzaghi’s side, which may suggest a more permanent move to centre-back or midfield for Blues academy graduate Reece James.

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has made no secret of his desire for defensive additions

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has made no secret of his desire for defensive additions

Chelsea have already completed the signing of Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly this window

The signing of Dumfries would be Chelsea’s second defensive addition from Serie A this summer following the arrival of Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly.

Tuchel has made no secret of his desire for defensive reinforcements after the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Christensen on free transfers.

The Blues’ frailties at the back were displayed in their 4-0 defeat to London rivals Arsenal last week during a pre-season friendly. The addition of Dumfries would undoubtedly shore up some of those issues. 

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