Transfer News: Chelsea to enter transfer battle for Milan Skriniar
According to Italian outlet Gazzetta (h/t Football.London), Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are expected to battle it out for Inter Milan centre-back Milan Skriniar.
The former Sampdoria man joined Inter Milan in 2017 and has gone on to establish himself as one of the best defenders in Serie A over the past few years. The talented Slovakian defender is one of Simone Inzaghi’s cornerstones in defence.
The 27-year-old has played 47 times for the Nerazzurri this season scoring four goals during this period. Inzaghi’s side is fighting it neck and neck with AC Milan for the Scudetto and Skriniar has been one of their most important players in the title defence.
The defender’s contract is expiring next summer and although Inter are keen on tying him down to a long-term deal, clubs around the world are trying to convince the centre-back to join them this summer as there is a chance they could get him on a cut-price deal.
Solid option?
The Blues find themselves in a defensive dilemma come the summer. Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger are on the way out from the club whilst long-standing club captain Cesar Azpilicueta is also contemplating a move away from London.
In such a situation, Thomas Tuchel is likely to be left with only the evergreen Thiago Silva and promising Trevoh Chalobah as options at centre-back going into next season and the Blues will undoubtedly have to strengthen their back-line.
Skriniar seems like just the perfect signing for Chelsea. With his contract expiring the coming summer, he is likely to not cost much and will be available on a bargain. The Slovakian is just 27 and entering into the prime years of his career and the Blues will be getting a player who is perfectly ready for first-team football.
It does depend on if Skriniar wants to come to Chelsea in the first place and the Blues will have to convince them regarding the same but if they manage to do that, then signing the Inter Milan defender is a no-brainer for Thomas Tuchel.
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It remains to be seen as to what happens with Skriniar. If he chooses to leave Inter though, then the Blues will have to be alert and get a deal done at the first possible opportunity.