Chelsea will apparently be hoping to beat Manchester City to the signing of Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt next summer.
The Blues could be heading into next season low on defensive options amid the ongoing uncertainty over the futures of Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta - all of which are out of contract at the end of the current season.
Of course, this has led to various suggestions of defensive recruits, with the Blues having seen their long pursuit of Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde ultimately fail in the summer.
Now, Chelsea are once again being linked to the signature of Juventus defender de Ligt, with it previously reported that his agent Mino Raiola would be keen to move his client out of his current employers, albeit the reported £130m release clause written into his contract causing some slight difficulties.
According to Goal, the Blues are among a number of clubs to have been offered his services, whilst it is also suggested that Manchester City are among those clubs that are in talks regarding the potential signing of the Dutchman.
If true, it would not be the first time that Chelsea have been competing with Pep Guardiola for a player.
Back in 2018, both the Blues and City were admirers of Italian midfielder Jorginho - the latter attempting to add to their ranks due to the advancing years of current captain Fernandinho.
Meanwhile, the Blues were also eyeing his services, with newly-appointed boss Maurizio Sarri having been a big admirer of the midfielder during the pair’s time together in Napoli.
Jorginho eventually opted to sign for the Blues for a reported fee of £50m, a decision that has arguably been the correct one with the Italian having established himself as a key player in a side that won the Europa League and Champions League despite a somewhat inconsistent start to life at Stamford Bridge.
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentis revealed that Jorginho was always convinced of a move to west London as opposed to Manchester.
Following the transfer, he said: "The player prefers London to Manchester and I can understand him.
"Chelsea are going to pay him more and I can't do anything about it.
"Jorginho joining Chelsea does not depend on Sarri [joining Chelsea]."
Now, with Chelsea seemingly in a familiar position by rivalling City for the signing of de Ligt, they will hope to employ a similar strategy to bring him to the club sooner rather than later.
