Cameron Smith
Enzo Maresca, Chelsea
© IMAGO
Chelsea have decided to pursue a move for AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, despite the fact he is on the verge of signing a new contract with the Serie A giants.
The Netherlands international moved to San Siro from AZ Alkmaar last summer and his form over the past 18 months has attracted significant interest from multiple top Premier League clubs.
Arsenal and Liverpool are both long-term admirers of Reijnders, while Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur have now joined the race for his signature, according to Italian outlet Calciomercato.
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Barcelona are also eager to sign the 26-year-old, as per Fichajes, but he is expected to snub transfer interest from across Europe in order to sign a new contract at Milan.
His current deal with the Italian side isn’t due to expire until 2028, however Reijnders is extremely close to penning a fresh agreement, with Gazzetta dello Sport claiming that the deal is “90% done.”
Despite this, Chelsea have expressed their interest in signing the former AZ Alkmaar midfielder as they look to bolster Enzo Maresca’s first-team squad.
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Tijjani Reijnders in action for the Netherlands
© IMAGO - Tijjani Reijnders in action for the Netherlands
Tijjani Reijnders to Chelsea?
Chelsea already have a plethora of midfield options, but Cesare Casadei could leave the club in 2025, while Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has endured a tricky start to life at Stamford Bridge since his summer arrival from Leicester City.
Andrey Santos is expected to be handed a first-team role upon his return from a season-long loan spell at Strasbourg, but Chelsea have reportedly identified Reijnders as a key target for next summer.
However, they are set to be left disappointed, with the Dutchman on the verge of extending his contract at Milan. Furthermore, Reijnders recently admitted that he expects to remain with the Serie A giants until he reaches his thirties.
As a result, Chelsea are expected to be left empty-handed in their pursuit of the 26-year-old.