Chelsea target Merih Demiral set for permanent Atalanta switch. (Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images)
Chelsea are seemingly interested in Juventus centre-back Merih Demiral, amid the Blues’ interest in his clubmate Matthijs De Ligt and Sevilla’s Jules Kounde.
According to Calciomercato (h/t Football.London), Chelsea could offer midfielder Jorginho to the Italian club, to help facilitate a swap deal which could see Demiral going the other way to West London.
Demiral spent last season on loan at Atalanta, where he played regularly all season. Despite 42 appearances across all competitions, Atalanta chose not to exercise their option to buy the defender.
Chelsea now seem to be interested in the Turkey international as they look to reinforce their defence ahead of the new season. Demiral could be one of the men that Tuchel fields in his three-man backline once the new campaign commences.
However, it is unlikely that there will be a big splurge of cash on this deal. It is believed that Chelsea could use Jorginho – someone who interests Juve, as a barter for Demiral.
The Italian midfielder isn’t getting any younger and has a contract until 2023. With the possibility of Cobham graduates Conor Gallagher and Billy Gilmour making next season’s squad, Jorginho could very well slide down the pecking order.
Out of all the defenders that Chelsea have been linked with thus far, Demiral by far feels like the strangest one yet.
The defender is capable of playing in a three-man defence, but his season at Atalanta was anything but convincing. He struggled during his time at Bergamo and didn’t do enough to convince the club chiefs to exercise their buy-back option.
Jules Kounde so far has been Chelsea’s obvious choice, but that deal is far from over. But then again, our fans would tell you that just one defensive signing may not be enough.
Antonio Rudiger has been an immense presence at the back for Chelsea since the arrival of Thomas Tuchel. Andreas Christensen has been a sound and composed defender too, except for a handful of erratic moments.
Demiral, for all his abilities, does seem like a downgrade from the pair but then again, we can’t rule out what Tuchel can do with his talent if he does arrive in West London. This seems like a piece of news to keep an eye out for as we go deeper into the summer window.
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