Fikayo Tomori in action for AC Milan, with Xabi Alonso in a circular inset
Fikayo Tomori in action for AC Milan, with Xabi Alonso in a circular inset
Chelsea are being backed to make a surprise move to re-sign Fikayo Tomori from AC Milan at the end of the season.
The 28-year-old is out of contract come next June, and is currently considered unlikely to put pen to paper on extended terms, with a summer move increasingly likely.
A return to the Premier League is said to appeal to the England international, who has been playing his football in Italy since his move from Stamford Bridge in 2021.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Tomori's experience, quality and knowledge of the club could tempt Chelsea to sign him as a free agent.
Xabi Alnoso is not completely content with his current centre-back options, and while his starting trio has been relatively set so far this season, further depth is required.
Tomori's availability is set to place a number of clubs on high alert, but given he remains highly-regarded behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge, a return could be on the cards.
Why do Chelsea want to sign a new centre-back?
Football Insider revealed back in June that Chelsea were aiming to keep hold of defensive options while planning for an overhaul of their back line, with multiple additions considered.
In the 2-0 win against Everton last time out, Levi Colwill, Maxence Lacroix and Josh Acheampong started in the back three, leaving Wesley Fofana as the only option from the bench.
The lack of depth, while not yet considered a problem, has pushed the Blues to assess the market for options, and landing Tomori on a free transfer could be an option.
"If Fikayo Tomori is going to leave AC Milan as we expect, of course Premier League teams will be keen," Brown told Football Insider.
"He will be looking to return to English football after, what has it been, six years in Italy? It looks like his time out there is coming to an end, but then it's about where he ends up.
"It might come as a bit of a surprise, but I wouldn't rule out a return to Chelsea for him, I think it makes a lot of sense.
"Chelsea are in need of a new centre-back, at least to provide cover and depth if not to start games, so the opportunity to sign a top player with Tomori's quality and experience on a free transfer will be appealing.
"Plus, he knows the club, he came through their academy and that can be so valuable, especially because you know it's not going to take him long to adapt to his surroundings.
"He has always been very highly thought of at Chelsea, so a move back there is he is going to leave AC Milan would make a lot of sense for everybody involved."
Which other clubs are interested in Tomori?
Chelsea are not the only Premier League club being linked with a move for Tomori, as his likely availability has placed a number of sides on high alert ahead of next summer.
The likes of Coventry City, Newcastle United and Crystal Palace have all been linked with the England international, with all three sides in need of defensive reinforcements.
Meanwhile, Football Insider exclusively revealed in August that Aston Villa had held preliminary talks about bringing Tomori back to English football in the near future.
Sources say Unai Emery is keen on Tomori because he possesses the traits that suit the manager's system, including pace and the ability to hold a high line.
Despite missing out during the summer, there is a feeling that the centre-back's availability could see Aston Villa reignite their interest in signing him on a free transfer.