Chelsea still following Denzel Dumfries as Lyon reject Malo Gusto bid

Chelsea are still following Inter Milan defender Denzel Dumfries, according to RMC Sport journalist Fabrice Hawkins.

The Blues are determined to sign a new right-back this month amid Reece James’ injury concerns and Gusto has been identified as their priority target.

The west London giants have already agreed personal terms with the 19-year-old, but they are yet to find the breakthrough with Les Gones over the fee.

The French club have rejected their opening verbal bid for the teenager and seem reluctant to lose their prized asset until the end of the current season.

Amidst this, Hawkins claims that Graham Potter’s side are still keeping tabs on Dumfries, who has been regularly linked with a Premier League transfer.

Dumfries has been used as a right wing-back since his switch to Inter from PSV Eindhoven in 2021 but he was previously a traditional right-sided defender.

The 26-year-old has caught the eye with his terrific attacking displays for club and country in recent years and would be a quality acquisition for the Blues.

He possesses a strong physical presence and does not get overawed by the big occasion. He also has good pace on the counter-attack and likes to overlap defenders.

If the Blues are unsuccessful in convincing Lyon to sell Gusto, they could well revive their interest in Dumfries, who could be available for €55 million this month.

Chelsea have a good working relationship with Inter, having recently signed Romelu Lukaku before loaning him back to the Serie A outfit for the current season.

They could utilise the close association to lower the price as well as pay the fee over a longer period such that they are not hampered by Financial Fair Play sanctions.

Chelsea have been the biggest spenders in the transfer market this winter by a big margin. The club have spent close to €180m on six players. There should be more arrivals.