Giovanni Di Lorenzo doing well at the UEFA Euro 2020

Chelsea eyeing 27-year-old UEFA Euro 2020 star as Plan B for key transfer target

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Chelsea interested in Giovanni Di Lorenzo as Achraf Hakimi alternative

According to Defensa Central (h/t Football.london), Chelsea are keeping tabs on Napoli and Italy defender, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, as a potential alternative for primary target Achraf Hakimi.

Chelsea are in the market for a new right-back with Hakimi of Inter Milan being heavily linked with a move to the Bridge of late. The Moroccan international has been identified as the top transfer target by the Blues with the club open to offering players in exchange to push through a deal. (h/t Football.london)

Achraf Hakimi of FC Internazionale in action
Achraf Hakimi is a transfer target for Chelsea (imago Images)

But in case a transfer does not materialise, Chelsea are now looking at Napoli’s Giovanni Di Lorenzo as an alternative for Hakimi. The 27-year-old has been with the Partenopei since 2019, having arrived from Empoli and has grown into a regular fixture for the club.

A regular in the Italy national team squad, Di Lorenzo replaced Alessandro Florenzi in the Azzurri’s 3-0 win over Turkey on the opening day of the UEFA Euro 2020. He started the last time out against Switzerland as Roberto Mancini’s men secured another comprehensive win to qualify for the knockout stages of the competition.

And, it seems like the 27-year-old’s performances during the summer extravaganza have now caught the attention of Chelsea. The Blues have Reece James as the preferred option at right wing-back, with captain Cesar Azpilicueta providing cover. However, the latter has largely been used as a centre-back of late and is not getting any younger.

Giovanni Di Lorenzo of Napoli has emerged as Plan B for Chelsea
Giovanni Di Lorenzo of Napoli has emerged as Plan B for Chelsea

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So, bringing in another right-sided full-back would be an advantageous move by Thomas Tuchel & co. While Hakimi should be the top priority, someone like Di Lorenzo would be a handy alternative in case a move for the Inter Milan man fails. However, along with Chelsea, Real Madrid have also shown an interest in the defender, which could make things tricky.