Ruben Loftus-Cheek could be offered to Inter Milan in a bid to tempt the Italian champions into a deal for Achraf Hakimi.
Inter’s Moroccan star has long been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge and with Paris Saint-Germain yet to make a move Chelsea could be in pole position.
Thomas Tuchel’s willingness to let Loftus-Cheek move in the opposite direction is a signal of Chelsea’s intent on beating the Parisians to the signing of the 22-year-old full-back.
According to reports in the Mirror, Hakimi’s interest in a move to PSG has cooled after he has been left feeling ‘frustrated and confused’ by the French side’s failure to commit to the transfer deal.
Video Unavailable
With Inter keen on England international Loftus-Cheek, a player-plus-cash deal could be in the offing, according to Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport.
Loftus-Cheek spent the 2020/21 Premier League season away from Stamford Bridge on loan to relegated neighbours Fulham.
His performances at Craven Cottage have not seen the 25-year-old make a case for inclusion into Tuchel’s plans and the German is prepared to sanction his departure from the Blues.
Chelsea boss Tuchel, along with transfer chief Marina Granovskaia, are understood to want to strengthen three key areas of the side ahead of the new campaign, with a right-sided defender, a central midfielder and a striker their priorities.
The summer window is officially open and now the Blues can look to build on European glory and bolster the squad to push for Premier League supremacy.
By signing up to the Chelsea newsletter here, you’ll be receiving the latest news and rumours directly, as well as exclusive articles and content from club writers Sam Inkersole and Adam Newson, all for free!
And if you want to take part in the debate in the comments and join in with the Q&As to get your questions answered, create an account here, because we want to hear from you too.
Hakimi has been earmarked as the defender Tuchel is most keen on and according to Sky Sports, the Blues have already had a £56.1million bid rejected by the Milanese giants.
Despite the setback, Chelsea are said to have retained their interest in the former Real Madrid man, with it being claimed Inter would accept an offer of £68.6m to let their star leave.