A new centre-back is expected at Chelsea this summer, and a new name is on the radar, in Milan star Strahinja Pavlovic. Now, Italian media claim Chelsea have moved a step closer to his signature.
The 24-year-old has become one of Milan’s best players this season. The left-footed centre-back has been one of the first names on the team sheet for the Italian giants, clocking up 30 games this term.
Chelsea are expected to bring in a central defender this summer despite the 10-strong list of centre-backs on the Blues’ senior list of players. That includes out-on-loan duo Axel Disasi and Aaron Anselmino.
One of many problems on the pitch at the moment 🤦♂️
Chelsea's Wesley Fofana
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Chelsea are set for a major reshuffle in the middle of the defence this summer, with the club keen to bring one or two new defenders to the club. Ben White is an option for Chelsea, but so is Milan’s Pavlovic.
Chelsea move a step closer to signing Strahinja Pavlovic
Reports emerged last week that Chelsea were interested in £35m-rated Pavlovic, who has had a hand in five goals this season for Milan under Max Allegri. He has scored four goals, laying on an assist.
AC Milan v Torino FC - Serie A
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Now, Corriere Dello Sport claim Chelsea have gone a step further in their pursuit of signing the 52-time Serbia defender. Indeed, Chelsea have now opened talks to land the former Salzburg defender.
Milan are in a good selling position with Pavlovic, with two years left to run on his Rossoneri contract. But the lure of the Premier League and Stamford Bridge could prove difficult to turn down for Pavlovic.
Milan and Chelsea’s relationship could aid potential Pavlovic deal
Milan will not want to lose Pavlovic. CDS say that Milan want to build their defence around Pavlovic next season, a defence that also includes Fikayo Tomori. But it is that Chelsea connection that helps the Blues.
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Milan have plenty of ex-Chelsea players. Christopher Nkunku, Christian Pulisic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Tomori are all key parts of this Milan side. The two sides have done plenty of negotiating in recent years.
Whether Milan are willing to accept a deal and whether Pavlovic is willing to give up what he has in Milan to join the chaos that is Chelsea Football Club remains to be seen. But clearly, Chelsea want him signed.
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