Chelsea have opened talks to sign Italy defender Giorgio Scalvini after completing a deal for Danny Welbeck.
The Blues confirmed the signing of former England international Welbeck from Brighton on Saturday.
Welbeck, who played for Manchester United and Arsenal before Brighton, has signed a two-year contract at Stamford Bridge.
The 35-year-old becomes Chelsea’s fourth signing of the summer following Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa, Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace and Marco Palestra from Atalanta.
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Big-spending Chelsea are not even nearly finished in the transfer window, however, and intend to secure several more summer deals for new boss Xabi Alonso.
According to The Sun, Stamford Bridge chiefs have immediately turned their attention to Atalanta and Italy defender Scalvini.
The 22-year-old has made over 100 appearances for boyhood club Atalanta, helping the Serie A side win the Europa League in 2024.
Scalvini’s form has attracted interest from a number of European clubs and it is claimed Chelsea have directly approached his representatives to discuss a deal.
But the Blues face competition from London rivals Tottenham and fellow Premier League side Newcastle United, who are also interested in Scalvini.
Spurs have expressed interest as Argentina international Cristian Romero is set to leave north London and join Inter Milan in a deal worth £34m.
Atalanta, aware of the interest in their player, reportedly want at least £42mto sign the Italian centre-back.
Scalvini is believed to be keen on a move to the Premier League as he believes it is the right time to make the next step in his career.
The arrival of Lacroix from Palace means Chelsea have TEN central defenders on the books, but Alonso is ready to sell at least five of those.
Trevoh Chalobah is closing in on a move to Cesc Fabregas’ Como, Axel Disasi has been linked with a move to Italy and Benoit Badiashile has accepted his Chelsea career is over.
Chelsea’s newest signing Welbeck scored a career-best 13 goals in the Premier League last season and says he has ‘fire in my belly’ to perform in west London.
‘When you hear of interest from Chelsea, it is something that fills you with such immense pride,’ Welbeck said after moving to Stamford Bridge.
‘Knowing the history of Chelsea, it is a club that wants to win trophies and is pushing to do that every single season.
‘I’m really honoured to come to a club of this stature at what feels like a really exciting time. I know a few of the boys already, and I’ve had fantastic conversations with the manager, so I already feel that connection.
‘I’ve got that fire in my belly. I’m ready to give everything for this club to make everyone at Chelsea, and the supporters, proud.’
Chelsea finished just 10th in the Premier League last season, failing to qualify for any European competition.
Alonso has three more friendlies to prepare for the new season, with Chelsea facing Juventus, AC Milan and Johor Darul Ta’zim before their Premier League opener.
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