“Of course”: Inter Milan star says it is a “compliment” seeing his name linked with Chelsea

Netherlands and Inter Milan star Denzel Dumfries speaks out on Chelsea interest

Inter Milan’s right-wing back Denzel Dumfries scored The Netherlands’ third goal in their 3-1 win against the USA in the Round of 16 in the World Cup. He assisted the other two as well.

There has been interest from Chelsea to get him on board, and the player is showcasing his talent on the globe’s biggest football stage. Reece James’ injury-prone nature, has in some sense put the club in a place wherein they feel they could do with sufficient cover in that position.

This season already, Reece missed out on 60 days of action due to a knee injury, wherein the Blues played a total of nine games. Having someone like Dumfries to stabilise the position, and give the manager enough quality depth in that position is an extremely wise idea.

But that too will come down to whether the player will be ready to play second fiddle, or something along those lines, as at Inter, he has been extremely efficient and is one of the Italian club’s best players.

Dumfries spoke about Chelsea’s interest in his post-match interview with The Athletic (subscription required), and here is what he had to say:

“Of course it’s a compliment (to be linked with Chelsea). But when you put the Nerazzurri shirt on that is also a big compliment. I’m focused on the national team and I play for a very, very beautiful club in Italy. I’m very proud that I can play for Inter so I am focused on nothing else but the national team and Inter.”

Dumfries to the Blues

Certainly, the player is respecting his current club, by not commenting further on his future, and with the regular game-time has been getting in the Blue half of Milan, there is not much reason to complain as well. Moreover, his present contract at Inter runs out only in 2025 (Transfermarkt) and would certainly not come at a cheap price.

A €50m quote for the player from back in August, will in all likelihood, go up after his display at the World Cup, and hence, Todd Boehly and Co. should beware of this fact as well, that the player will not be available at an inexpensive price.

Reece on the other hand has a long-term contract until 2028 (Transfermarkt), but the local boy’s proneness to injuries means that Potter has no other choice but to look at only top-quality fillers for him, after unsuccessfully trying out Raheem Sterling and Cesar Azpilicueta in that role.

Moreover, with claims that Manchester United are also in the race to sign the Dutch star mean that the Blues’ pursuit comes with a lot of competition. Hence, in order to push off their rivals, Chelsea need to move swiftly in their attempt to sign Dumfries.

More Chelsea News:

• Former Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo tempted to join Chelsea
• Chelsea are willing to bid for AC Milan midfielder Ismael Bennacer
• Former Chelsea defender urges the club to sign England midfield duo Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham

One thing which could play the ball in Chelsea’s court is the fact that Inter are going through a financial crisis of sorts and hence, offloading Dumfries could help them negate their off-the-pitch issues to an extent. Hopefully, Chelsea cash in on their situation.