Chelsea Willing To Pay $51M For Star Center-Back After Failed Jules Kounde Deal: Details

Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Inter Milan defender Milan Skriniar, who is also a target of Tottenham Hotspur.

Skriniar has another year left on his contract with Inter Milan and Chelsea are willing to pay around $51 million for the center-back, the Italian outlet Calciomercato reported. Even Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are reportedly ready to pay the same for the Slovakia national.

Skriniar's current market value is around $68 million, according to Transfermarkt. He has established himself as one of the best defenders in Serie A, having played a crucial part in Inter Milan's league title win in the 2020-21 campaign. He has been with Inter Milan for five seasons now, having joined the San Siro side from Sampdoria in the summer of 2017.

The Slovakian player's representatives are in London to discuss a potential deal with Chelsea and they are also expected to meet a few PSG officials in the same city, according to Football London.

Chelsea's defense has taken a major hit this summer with the departures of Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and Kurt Zouma in the last 12 months. The Blues' head coach Thomas Tuchel is looking to sign three central defenders ahead of the 2022-23 season.

While Chelsea have signed Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli, it has been reported that the Stamford Bridge side is preparing to make an offer for Leicester City defender Wesley Fofana.

Tuchel and Co. have also been chasing Sevilla center-back Jules Kounde. However, it looks like they have lost the race to land the French defender, who is now close to joining FC Barcelona, according to The Guardian.

Chelsea reached the final of two tournaments (League Cup and FA Cup) last season, but lost both the big games to Liverpool FC. Tuchel has been busy this summer as he is trying to boost his side ahead of the upcoming season.