Chelsea scouts are now watching a defender who Liverpool bid for in the January transfer window, but there is set to be competition for his signature from some of Europe’s top clubs, according to a report.
Chelsea planning to strengthen in multiple areas
At one stage this season, it looked like the Blues could be capable of mounting a Premier League title challenge, but their form has since gone downhill, and they are now set to battle it out for a Champions League spot.
As such, it is clear Enzo Maresca needs some new additions this summer if his side are going to start competing with the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal, and the manager is planning to strengthen in a number of key areas.
Robert Sanchez has flattered to deceive this season, with multiple options being considered to replace the goalkeeper, while there is also interest in a new striker, and the likes of Victor Osimhen and Liam Delap are on the shortlist.
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Jackson has struggled for goals since the turn of the year, meaning a new striker may be deemed a priority signing for Maresca this summer, but the manager also wants to bring in some new options in defence.
According to a report from Gianluca Di Marzio, the Blues have now sent scouts to watch Bologna’s Sam Beukema, running the rule over the defender during the Italian side’s Serie A clash against AC Milan.
Beukema, who Liverpool bid for in January, has started to attract attention from some of Europe’s top clubs, with Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan and Juventus also interested, so there could be fierce competition for his signature this summer.
The Dutchman was valued at around €30m (£25m) last summer, but his price tag may well have risen since then, having played a key role in a Bologna side that have performed well this season.
Beukema has been a "sensation" in Italy
Bologna are fighting for the European spots in the Serie A, and the centre-back has been one of their most important players, making 25 league appearances, while also chalking up eight appearances in the Champions League.
During that time, the 26-year-old has been lauded as a “sensation” by members of the media, and he is among the most consistent performers in the squad, but there are some doubts over whether he is at the level required by Chelsea.
Statistic
Average per 90
Tackles
1.23 (28th percentile)
Interceptions
0.73 (12th percentile)
Clearances
3.32 (20th percentile)
Blocks
1.10 (30th percentile)
As shown, the Bologna ace doesn’t stand out on any defensive metric, when compared to his positional peers over the past year, so it’s unclear whether he is a worthwhile signing for the Blues.
Chelsea scouts may be enthused by Beukema’s solid performance against Milan, however, and they will be impressed by fellow target Rafael Leao’s performance, with the forward getting on the scoresheet.