Chelsea have reached an agreement for the transfer and contract of defender Attila Szalai in January, according to CNN Turk.
The Blues had been linked with a move for a defender in the upcoming window, with four centre-backs out-of-contract in the summer.
Jules Kounde and Matthijs de Ligt were two names Thomas Tuchel had been credited with a move for, but 23-year-old Szalai reportedly looks as though he could be the next through the door.
The report claims the Blues have reached an agreement with Fenerbahce of €23.4million (£20m) for the defender with a six-year deal in place at a salary of €4m (£3.5m).
So, just who is Attila Szalai and why have both Chelsea and Atletico Madrid been linked with the centre-back before? football.london takes you through all you need to know on the central defender.
Growing reputation
Szalai made his first-team breakthrough at Hungarian top-flight side Mezőkövesd Zsóry FC, making just over 50 competitive appearances for the club before making the switch to Cypriot side Apollon Limassol.
He didn’t stay there for too long, though, joining in 2019 but leaving the club in January 2021 for Turkish top-flight side Fenerbahce for a fee worth roughly £1.8m.
He has only made 40 competitive appearances for the club, a running theme during his short career as his reputation continues to grow.
International stage
The centre-back made his senior debut on the international stage in 2019 for Hungary at just 21-years-old.
Since then, he has become a mainstay for the side, featuring in the team that defended so well in a tough group at the European Championships that managed to hold off Portugal, France and Germany for so long.
He also featured in a World Cup qualifier against England last month.
Transfer interest
Following his impressive performances and the fact he can still grow, Atletico Madrid were heavily linked with a move for Szalai.
However, the Blues were also linked and may have beaten them to landing the 23-year-old as an option in defence, if reports are to be believed.
His instincts in a back three would come in handy for Tuchel, who has tuned his side into the system well.
