Chelsea boss Antonio Conte will make an official £25m approach for Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini next week, according to a report.
The Blues are in the market for a new central-defensive player, with time fast ticking down ahead of the August 31 transfer deadline.
Conte currently has just five defenders available to choose from, although the Italian manager is reluctant to spend big in his pursuit of top target Kalidou Koulibaly, who is valued at around £60m.
The Sun reports that Conte is confident of landing Chiellini for more than half of that figure, however, and also has the advantage of previously working with the 32-year-old during his time as both Juve and Italy manager.
Juventus have stood firm since losing Paul Pogba to Manchester United for a world-record fee of £89m, but the highly experienced player may help to push through a move.
Chiellini has spent the last 11 years with the Italian giants since joining from Serie A rivals Fiorentina.
Daniel Lewis
