Chelsea enter race for star defender who will leave Atletico Madrid this summer

Chelsea aim to sign Mario Hermoso this summer

Chelsea are set to enter the race for Mario Hermoso with Premier League rivals Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur. Chelsea have shifted their focus to the experienced star after signing a number of young heads in the summer. Antonio Conte has concrete interest in the Spaniard, and Napoli are advanced with talks for the defender, per Calcio Napoli.

The West London club has finally aimed for an experienced player from La Liga. Despite making multiple signings in the summer, the club has received criticism for not signing experienced players and the club has entered the race for the Spanish defender. Hermoso is a Real Madrid product who has Spanish-top-flight experience with Espanyol and Atletico Madrid.

The 29-year-old defender joined the Diego Simeone side in 2019 and he has appeared in 174 games for the club, contributing ten goals and six assists in the five-year journey. He was a favourite starter for the Argentine coach and he was one of the main defenders of the club for the past years. Hermoso was always challenged with his form and fitness, and Atletico have now released the player following his contract expiring.

As the Spaniard is available for a free transfer, multiple clubs have shown interest in acquiring him in the summer. Napoli manager Conte has special interest in signing him for his side and the Italian coach has initiated talks with the Spaniard about his future in the Italian club. As he has offers from multiple clubs, Hermoso will choose the club which can offer him more playing time.

Chelsea are in for a left-footed defender

Chelsea are looking to sign Mario Hermoso

Chelsea have been searching for a left-footed defender in the summer transfer market. Initially, the club approached young heads. They have now finally compromised to move with an experienced head in the back line.

Chelsea’s defence has always been backed by experienced defenders in the past years like John Terry, Cesar Azpilicueta, Thiago Silva etc. The Brazilian veteran defender bid adieu to the Chelsea fans in May and joined the Brazilian club Fluminense. The Italian coach who is a great fan of young players has the responsibility of finding a replacement for Silva in the summer.