Chelsea's ‘top priority’ for improving their options at right-back has ‘always been’ Denzel Dumfries, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The 26-year-old has been linked with a move to the Premier League for a number of years following an impressive few campaigns for PSV Eindhoven and Inter Milan and could now finally make the switch.
What is the latest news involving Dumfries?
Back in July, the Evening Standard reported that Dumfries had been identified as an alternative target to Jules Kounde after he decided to make the move to Barcelona over Chelsea.
It was claimed that although Reece James has done a stellar job at right wing-back for the Blues, Thomas Tuchel wants to add some extra cover and competition on that side of the pitch alongside Wesley Fofana.
Romano has previously informed GiveMeSport that Inter want between €35 million (£29.5m) and €40m (£34m) in order to sanction a deal for Dumfries.
The Netherlands international still has three years remaining on his current contract at San Siro, so any transfer may prove difficult to make, but the Nerazzurri’s financial issues should give Chelsea hope.
Cesar Azpilicueta's decision to ignore Barca's advances and put pen to paper on fresh terms doesn't appear to have diminished the capital club's interest in Dumfries as Tuchel looks to strengthen his first-team squad.
What has Romano said about Dumfries?
Southampton’s Kyle Walker-Peters has also been linked to Chelsea, and although Romano confirmed he is on the club’s radar, he also revealed that Dumfries is at the top of Tuchel’s wish list.
He told GiveMeSport: “Yes, he's one of the players that they have in the list. The top priority has always been Denzel Dumfries, who is doing great with Inter.
“He scored a key goal during the weekend and Inter manager Inzaghi was pretty clear in repeating that he really wants the player to stay to be part of the project and the same for Milan Skriniar. So, I think it is not going to be an easy negotiation.”
Would Dumfries be a good signing?
Dumfries only joined Inter 12 months ago following an outstanding Euro 2020 campaign and instantly made his mark at the club, registering five goals and seven assists across 45 appearances.
The flying wing-back helped his side claim the Coppa Italia and a second-place finish in Serie A while his underlying numbers were equally as eye-catching.
As per FBref, Dumfries ranked in the 99th percentile for non-penalty expected goals, touches in the attacking penalty area and progressive passes received. He also ranked in the 98th for total shots and 95th for aerial duels won amongst his positional peers over the last year.
A formal offer is yet to arrive for Dumfries as Chelsea prioritise other positions, but he certainly appears to be a player who could aid Tuchel's quest for silverware.