Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah has reportedly emerged as a potential transfer target for Inter Milan.
Thomas Tuchel is currently in the process of trying to strengthen his backline, a consequence of Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger having left for Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively.
Kalidou Koulibaly has already arrived from Napoli, while Chelsea are contemplating whether to pay a world-record fee for a defender to sign Wesley Fofana from Leicester City.
With Malang Sarr having also departed for Monaco, Chelsea possess fewer central-defensive numbers than 2021-22, but it appears that there may be further changes over the coming weeks.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Inter could test Chelsea's resolve regarding Chalobah, who has concerns regarding his game time.
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The academy graduate has remained as an unused substitute for the club's opening two Premier League fixtures against Everton and Tottenham Hotspur respectively.
Cesar Azpilicueta got the nod in the game with the Toffees at Goodison Park, while Reece James deputised on the right-hand side of the back three against Spurs.
Despite being provided with 30 appearances in all competitions last season, it appears that Chalobah may be allowed to depart Stamford Bridge for the right offer.
Romano suggests that Inter could propose a season-long loan deal with two other clubs said to be monitoring the situation.
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Like Tuchel, Inter boss Simone Inzaghi operates with a back three and Chalobah would be expected to provide competition for his current crop of options.
As it stands, Alessandro Bastoni, Milan Skriniar, Stefan de Vrij and Federico Dimarco are competing for the three spots in the first XI.
However, Manuel Akanji and Francesco Acerbi - of Borussia Dortmund and Lazio respectively - may also be targeted if Inter see less value in signing Chalobah.
Chelsea are unlikely to give any consideration to a transfer until they have brought in at least one more player who can feature alongside Thiago Silva and Koulibaly.
Although Ethan Ampadu is still at Stamford Bridge, he does not have a squad number and could return to Serie A after previously representing Venezia.
Darren Plant
