Transfer Centre

Chelsea to rival Manchester United for Inter Milan's Denzel Dumfries?

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 29 December 2022

Chelsea to rival Man United for Denzel Dumfries?

Chelsea are reportedly considering whether to make a formal bid for Inter Milan defender Denzel Dumfries, who has also been linked with Manchester United.

Chelsea reportedly remain interested in signing Inter Milan defender Denzel Dumfries during 2023.

Throughout the summer transfer window, the Blues were linked with a number of players who were capable of playing at right-back and right wing-back.

However, they eventually failed to strengthen in that position, Chelsea remaining with Reece James and Cesar Azpilicueta as their first two options.

Since then, James has suffered two injuries to his knee, the latest coming earlier this week and will keep him sidelined until at least the back end of January.

Meanwhile, Azpilicueta is now 33 years of age and has sometimes been overlooked for a wing-back role when Graham Potter has switched to a back three.

Chelsea's Reece James looks dejected after sustaining an injury as Mason Mount and Kalidou Koulibaly look on on December 27, 2022 © Reuters

As a result, it has been alleged that Chelsea intend to sign a fresh face in January, with the club's recruitment team currently assessing their options.

Celtic and Croatia defender Josip Juranovic is said to be on the radar of the West Londoners and a bid could be made over the coming weeks.

Nevertheless, according to Gazzetta dello Sport, Chelsea still hold an interest in Dumfries and could make another move in January.

Despite possessing a long-term deal at San Siro, the Netherlands international was one of the players heavily linked with Chelsea earlier this year, only to begin a second campaign with Inter.

Netherlands' Denzel Dumfries and Ecuador's Piero Hincapie in action at the World Cup on November 25, 2022. © Reuters

The 26-year-old has made 17 starts and three substitute outings for Inter in 2022-23, contributing two goals and two assists from right wing-back.

Dumfries enjoyed a more productive period at the World Cup representing his country, netting two strikes and an assist in their last-16 victory over the USA.

While Inter are likely to be keen to retain Dumfries's services until at least the end of the season, much may depend on the size of any offer that they receive at the midway point of the season.

Manchester United have also been credited as admirers of Dumfries in the past, and he would become an option if they attracted a suitable bid for Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

The report adds that Bayern Munich are keeping a close eye on any developments with the future of Benjamin Pavard also thought to be uncertain.