Chelsea now in hot pursuit of £42m “big star” who’s a key target for Arsenal

Chelsea are now in hot pursuit of an important Arsenal target, having recently stepped up their interest, according to a report.

Blues eyeing a right-back

Reece James has already matched the number of Premier League appearances he made last season, with his tenth outing coming in the 2-1 loss against Aston Villa at the end of February, but the 25-year-old has continued to struggle with injuries.

There have also been reports linking Malo Gusto with a move away from Stamford Bridge, which means a new right-back may be required in the summer, and potential targets have now been identified.

Talks have been held over a move for Flamengo right-back Wesley Franca, with the 21-year-old impressing in his native Brazil, but there have also been reports Enzo Maresca‘s side could make a move for a player with more experience at the top level.

According to a report from Spain, Chelsea have now stepped up their interest in Inter Milan’s Denzel Dumfries, and they are now said to be in hot pursuit of the right-back, but there could be stiff competition for his signature.

Manchester United and Arsenal are also named as potential suitors for Dumfries, with the north Londoners viewing him as a key target to bolster their options at right-back, which is a position they are keen on strengthening as a priority.

The Dutchman is now becoming increasingly likely to leave Inter this summer, with the Serie A side setting an asking price of €50m (£42m), making him a relatively affordable option for the three Premier League clubs in the race.

“Big star” Dumfries impressing for club and country

The 28-year-old has chalked up 63 caps for the Netherlands, and he received high praise from Rafael van der Vaart

just under a year ago, at which point he was on a remarkable run of assists.

“Dumfries is our big star. He is really our very best player at the moment, he’s involved in everything. He has provided seven assists in the last seven games, but it could have been even more. He is always on the move. A really great player.”

Not only that, but the Inter star has also impressed in a defensive sense during his time with the Italian club, most notably across the two legs of the 2023 Champions League semi-final against AC Milan.

Chelsea are already relatively well-stocked at right-back, but James’ injury issues mean Maresca cannot depend upon the captain, so it could make sense to pursue a new option this summer, and Dumfries is proven at the highest level.