Chelsea turn their attention to Dutch ace – A solid signing in the offing?

Chelsea have reportedly shifted their focus to Inter Milan star Denzel Dumfries falling behind Barcelona in the race to sign Sevilla’s Jules Kounde.

The Blues have been in a tug-of-war with Barcelona for Jules Kounde in recent weeks, but it looks like the Catalan club are in talks (h/t Goal) to sign the Frenchman. This has led to more frustrations for Thomas Tuchel, who has so far managed to welcome only two new signings.

According to The Evening Standard, Chelsea are now set to prioritise a move for Denzel Dumfries. Inter Milan need to make one major sale this summer to balance their books and prefer selling the Netherlands international, who is also on the radar of Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United, the report adds.

Dumfries, 26, moved to Inter Milan from PSV Eindhoven last summer and enjoyed an impressive debut campaign at the Giuseppe Meazza, scoring five goals and supplying four assists in 33 league games. He has quickly become a fan favourite at the club, although Inter are prepared to let him go after just one season.

Denzel Dumfries to Inter Milan – A solid signing?

It has proven to be a very frustrating summer for Tuchel and Chelsea. Having lost Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen on free transfers to Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively in June, the Blues have missed out on top targets like Ousmane Dembele, Raphinha and Jules Kounde. On top of that, there are chances of Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso leaving the club.

The acquisition of Kalidou Koulibaly from Chelsea is a massive piece of business, but Tuchel is aware that Chelsea needs more defensive reinforcements to offset the exits of Rudiger and Christensen. Denzel Dumfries has emerged as an option of late, one that Tuchel would like to add to his squad ahead of the new season.

Dumfries had a solid campaign with Inter Milan as he was responsible for putting in a series of dominant displays at both ends of the pitch. Starting at right wing-back in the 3-5-2 system under Simone Inzaghi, the 26-year-old was a rock at the back as he averaged 1 tackle, 0.3 interceptions and 0.5 clearances per game in the Serie A.

On top of five goals and four assists, he produced 1.2 shots, 0.8 key passes and 0.5 dribbles per game with a healthy pass success rate of 77.1% (stats via whoscored).

The Dutchman is an attacking wing-back who likes to drive forward with the ball, make incisive passes and link play in the final third. He is strong aerially and difficult to dispossess off the ball. Aggressive and competent, Dumfries would fit Tuchel’s system at Chelsea like a glove.

He will add competition for young Reece James at right wing-back, and his leadership skills as well as work rate and consistency, will be valuable for the Pensioners.

Chelsea must go all out to sign Dumfries from Inter as he could become a long-term asset at Stamford Bridge.