have made an enquiry for Inter Milan’s Milan Skriniar as they attempt to rival Tottenham for the defender, according to reports.
Blues boss is set to be handed a big summer transfer budget to bolster his squad following the completion of the £4.5billion Todd Boehly takeover.
Chelsea are said to be looking to spend as much as £200m on new players this summer, with defence a priority area to upgrade.
After the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen upon the expiry of their contracts at the end of June, Tuchel will need reinforcements at centre-back.
Thereport that the Blues have asked Inter about Skriniar – a player Tottenham are also interested in.
However, Chelsea and Inter are said to be some way apart on a fee for the Slovakia international.
Skriniar helped secure the Scudetto for the Italian club last year, while they finished second behind AC Milan in the 2021/22 campaign.
Sevilla defender Jules Kounde has also been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge and is said to be a priority for the west London club.
Arsenal hero Paul Merson feels the outgoing Rudiger will be difficult to replace for Chelsea.
‘Antonio Rudiger’s been absolutely outstanding for Chelsea. I can’t remember him having a bad game if I’m being honest,’ Merson told Sportskeeda.
‘He’s been consistently brilliant in the Premier League this season. Rudiger’s going to be a massive miss for Thomas Tuchel next season.
‘He’s going to be a hard one to replace, and I’m not sure if the likes of Kalidou Koulibaly and Jules Kounde can fill his boots. If there is a worry for Chelsea this year, it’s finding Rudiger’s replacement.’
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