Chelsea scouts have been sending positive feedback on Stuttgart midfielder Angelo Stiller, according to reports in the German media.
Bild claim that the Blues do hold an interest in the German international, having sent observers to watch him this year.
It is believed a representative was in the stands when Stuttgart played Bayer Leverkusen back in January.
Stiller played well during the 4-1 away win, and Liam Rosenior’s team have kept tabs on the player since then.
Stuttgart have set their asking price
The Bundesliga side are expected to accept offers of around €50m (£44m) for Stiller at the end of the season.
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Most clubs on the continent would deem the valuation too high, but it is felt that a Premier League side would be willing to match Stuttgart’s demands.
In addition to Chelsea, Manchester United have also shown some interest in Stiller, having made enquiries in the final few days of the summer transfer window.
It is not known whether the Red Devils are likely to rekindle their pursuit, but their longstanding interest is something to take note of.
Stiller could replace a Chelsea midfielder
The future of vice-captain Enzo Fernandez remains in doubt. The Argentinian international has apologised to the club for his comments about moving to Madrid.
However, his agent, Javier Pastore, has muddied the waters somewhat by suggesting that the Blues would need to secure Champions League qualification to have any chance of keeping Fernandez:
“He’ll play in the World Cup this summer and finish the season with Chelsea. Now, we’re waiting for Chelsea to qualify for the Champions League because he wants to play in the best competitions and he’s a winner, and then we’ll see.”
The fact that Stiller is being monitored may suggest the club’s recruitment team are looking at potential replacements for Fernandez.
Read more about the Chelsea First Team Squad for 2025/26 here