Chelsea are reportedly not prepared to give up in their pursuit of Inter Milan defender Denzel Dumfries.
At a time when Cesar Azpilicueta was heavily linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge, Chelsea - then under Thomas Tuchel - were being credited with an interest in a wide array of players who could play at right wing-back.
One of the names constantly mentioned was that of Dumfries, despite the Netherlands international being just one year into a long-term contract at San Siro.
The 26-year-old had contributed five goals and five assists from 33 outings in Serie A during 2021-22, productivity which ultimately led to Inter retaining his services during the summer transfer window.
Nevertheless, according to Corriere dello Sport, it appears that Chelsea may make another bid for the player in January.
The report suggests that the Premier League giants will have cash to spend with newly-appointed head coach Graham Potter given the freedom to make changes to his squad.
Although Reece James is the standout player at right-back and wing-back, the West Londoners arguably require an alternative due to doubts over Azpilicueta.
As well as the veteran only having a contract until 2024, some of the long-serving Spaniard's performances this campaign have been below par.
In his first game in charge against Red Bull Salzburg, Potter instead opted to use the 33-year-old in a back three, a further indication that Azpilicueta's days further forward could be numbered.
Although the report states that Inter have little intention of parting ways with Dumfries in January, much could depend on the size of any offer made to the club's hierarchy.
Despite much speculation, I Nerazzurri failed to make the big-money sale that they envisaged during the summer, and there may be a need to boost their financial position in one of the next two transfer windows.
Dumfries has recently spoken of the interest that he received from Chelsea, hinting that his sole focus was on trying to win the league title with Inter.
He told De Telegraaf: "The interest flatters me, of course. But my focus is only on Inter. We want to win the Scudetto because we lost it last season."
Inter already sit five points adrift of leaders Napoli after losing three of their opening seven matches in Serie A this season. body check tags ::
