Chelsea face competition from European giants for €40m-rated Serie A star

Transfer News: Chelsea in Domenico Berardi pursuit with AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund

According to Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t football.london), Chelsea are eyeing Domenico Berardi in the summer transfer window, but they aren’t the only clubs after him.

Serie A side AC Milan and Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund also share an interest in the Sassuolo winger. The 26-year-old is coming on the back of a successful season with club and country.

He netted 17 goals and managed 8 assists in 30 Serie A games last season. The former Juventus man carried his good form into the 2020 UEFA European Championship, where he lifted the title with Italy in Wembley.

Sassuolo winger and Chelsea transfer target, Domenico Berardi, was part of the Italy side that won this summer's Euros.
Sassuolo winger and Chelsea transfer target, Domenico Berardi, was part of the Italy side that won this summer’s Euros.

However, the report mentions three things that can complicate Chelsea’s potential deal for Berardi. Firstly, the interest from Milan and Dortmund means the Blues would not have a clear path towards signing the Italian international.

Do Chelsea need Berardi?

Secondly, the €40m price tag can put them off. And thirdly, the comments made by Sassuolo CEO Giovanni Carnevali to Tuttosport (h/t football.london) earlier this month would also not help the Blues’ case.

“Caputo, Boga, Berardi and Locatelli won’t be sold. We’ve received lots of offers for them, but we’ve rejected all of them. We won’t give up our best players because we have an ambitious project with De Zerbi, with Berardi being the leader of this team.”

Berardi with Juventus duo, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini.
Berardi (L) with Juventus duo, Leonardo Bonucci (C) and Giorgio Chilellini (R).

At 26, Berardi is in the prime years of his career. He has impressed during his stay at Mapei Stadium – Citta del Tricolore and his exploits for the Italian side during the summer is further evidence of his quality.

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However, Chelsea should rather focus on getting a number 9 to compete with Timo Werner because as good as Berardi may be, the Blues are already stacked with quality wingers in their squad.