Chelsea 'planning to hold Denzel Dumfries talks with Inter Milan'

Chelsea will reportedly meet with Inter Milan next week to discuss a possible deal for Netherlands international Denzel Dumfries during this summer's transfer window.

The two clubs are already holding talks over a loan return to San Siro for Romelu Lukaku, who has struggled to settle back at Stamford Bridge after his switch last summer.

However, according to Corriere dello Sport, there will also be a meeting to discuss Dumfries, with Blues boss Thomas Tuchel determined to sign the Dutchman ahead of the 2022-23 campaign.

The report claims that Inter would be willing to listen to offers in the region of €40m (£34.3m) for the right-back, who scored five times and registered seven assists in 45 appearances at club level last term.

The 26-year-old arrived at San Siro from PSV Eindhoven last summer, signing a four-year contract with the club, but the Milan giants are attempting to reduce their high wage bill and are therefore said to be open to letting him leave in the current market.

© Reuters

Manchester United have also been credited with an interest in Dumfries, as the Red Devils look to bring a new right-back to the club this summer.

However, according to Sport Mediaset, Chelsea are determined to sign the defender, who has become Tuchel's 'obsession'.

Dumfries scored five goals and provided five assists in 33 Serie A appearances during the 2021-22 campaign, as Inter finished second in the table behind AC Milan.

Meanwhile, the defender featured on seven occasions in the Champions League, proving one assist, as the Italian giants reached the last-16 stage of the competition before losing to finalists Liverpool.

© Reuters

Chelsea had allegedly asked about Dumfries during negotiations for Lukaku but were informed that any move for the Dutchman would have to be a separate deal.

Dumfries largely played as a right-sided wing-back for Inter during the 2021-22 campaign and would likely provide competition for Reece James in the starting side next term.

The Blues are also planning to sign a new left-back, as Marcos Alonso prepares to depart, while Tuchel is also said to be keen to improve his midfield and forward options.

Lazio's Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has allegedly emerged as a midfield target for the capital giants, while there have been claims that the Blues are interested in Robert Lewandowski.

However, Barcelona are at the head of the queue for the Bayern Munich striker, and it has been suggested that the Poland international is reluctant to make the move to the Premier League.