Chelsea have initiated direct talks to sign Italy international Giorgio Scalvini after finalizing the acquisition of Danny Welbeck from Brighton. The Blues confirmed the arrival of the former Manchester United and Arsenal striker on Saturday, with Welbeck signing a two-year contract at Stamford Bridge.
The 35-year-old becomes Chelsea's fourth summer signing, following Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa, Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace, and Marco Palestra from Atalanta. However, the club's spending spree is far from over, as new manager Xabi Alonso seeks to bolster his squad further.
Scalvini emerges as top target
According to The Sun, Chelsea's hierarchy have swiftly turned their attention to Atalanta and Italy defender Scalvini. The 22-year-old has made over 100 appearances for his boyhood club, playing a key role in their 2024 Europa League triumph.
Scalvini's impressive performances have drawn interest from several European clubs, and Chelsea have reportedly made a direct approach to his representatives. Yet they face stiff competition from London rivals Tottenham and Premier League counterparts Newcastle United.
Tottenham's interest stems from the expected departure of Cristian Romero, who is set to join Inter Milan in a deal worth £34m. Atalanta, aware of the growing interest, are reportedly holding out for a fee of at least £42m for the centre-back.
Scalvini is believed to be keen on a move to the Premier League, viewing it as the right moment to advance his career. A move to Chelsea would add to an already crowded defensive department, with the arrival of Lacroix meaning the Blues now have ten central defenders on their books.
Defensive overhaul planned
Alonso is prepared to offload at least five of those defenders. Trevoh Chalobah is nearing a move to Cesc Fabregas' Como, Axel Disasi has been linked with a switch to Italy, and Benoit Badiashile has reportedly accepted that his Chelsea career is over.
Meanwhile, Welbeck, who scored a career-best 13 Premier League goals last season, expressed his excitement about joining Chelsea. 'When you hear of interest from Chelsea, it is something that fills you with such immense pride,' he said. 'Knowing the history of Chelsea, it is a club that wants to win trophies and is pushing to do that every single season.'
'I'm really honoured to come to a club of this stature at what feels like a really exciting time. I know a few of the boys already, and I've had fantastic conversations with the manager, so I already feel that connection. I've got that fire in my belly. I'm ready to give everything for this club to make everyone at Chelsea, and the supporters, proud.'
Chelsea finished tenth in the Premier League last season, failing to qualify for European competition. Alonso has three friendlies remaining against Juventus, AC Milan, and Johor Darul Ta'zim before the league campaign begins.
