Chelsea

Chelsea

Premier League • England

Granovskaia unfazed as Milan slap giant fee on surprise new No 1 Tuchel target

Theo Hernandez, AC Milan defender during Champions League clash with Liverpool at San Siro

Chelsea are reportedly ready to push through a deal for AC Milan defender Theo Hernandez, despite the Serie A giants’ best efforts to dissuade them from a move by slapping a giant fee on his head.

The Blues head into 2022 very much alive in four competitions. However, they do so on the back of a large shadow looming over a number of players in their squad. Indeed, Cescar Azpilicueta, Andreas Christensen, Thiago Silva and Antonio Rudiger are all out of contract in six months time. And from January 1, all four are eligible to speak to interested overseas clubs over a move.

And while Chelsea remain confident of keeping Azpilicueta and Silva, there are growing fears that Rudiger will be on the move.

In addition, an injury to Ben Chilwell looks likely to end his season. As such, Wednesday’s Paper Talk claims the Blues are preparing moves for three defenders in the January window.

But with Marcos Alonso now Thomas Tuchel’s only senior left-back, it’s not a surprise to see that area of the pitch coming sharply into focus for Chelsea.

Two potential options have quickly emerged in the form of Sergino Dest and Lucas Digne. Indeed, the Blues appear to be locked in a straight transfer battle with Newcastle for Digne following his falling out with Rafa Benitez.

However, reports in Italy claim their top target is actually France defender Hernandez.

As per Calciomercato, the European champions have already been in touch with Milan to enquire about his availability. They report that while Milan are not looking to sell, an offer of €60m would convince them otherwise.

Theo Hernandez happy at Milan

That asking price of £50.4m was designed to put Chelsea off the scent. However, rather than do so, it seems they have been given encouragement to persue a potential deal.

Lucas Digne to Chelsea is on as Everton left back wants out

Lucas Digne to Chelsea is on as Everton left back wants out

Lucas Digne is ready for his chance at Chelsea as Everton are ready to sell after manager spat

Furthermore, the Blues are believed to have been in touch with Hernandez’s agent in order to determine his financial demands.

Hernandez’s deal at the San Siro expires in summer 2024 and talks over an extension are ongoing. And while no agreement is yet to be reached, the former Real Madrid man is understood to be happy.

Whether Chelsea’s interest causes him a re-think remains to be seen. And if Tuchel pushes hard to sign him, then at least the Blues know in advance what it would cost to lure Theo Hernandez to Stamford Bridge.

Eden Hazard transfer talk dismissed

Chelsea insiders have ruled out a headline-grabbing transfer for Real Madrid forward Eden Hazard following recent links.

The Belgium international turned himself into one of the most potent attackers in Europe while at Chelsea. In 352 appearances, he netted 110 goals and assisted 92 others. As such, he earned himself a move to Madrid in 2019.

The move though has not gone to plan and reports have recently claimed a return to Stamford Bridge is on the cards.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich still has an affinity for Hazard. However, the Sunday World has claimed that Chelsea insiders have ‘distanced themselves’ from a deal for Hazard.

They are aware that he has endured a ‘miserable’ time at Madrid but the club are not considering his return to west London.

Blues boss Thomas Tuchel has a range of attacking options at his disposal.

Romelu Lukaku made his own return to Stamford Bridge in the summer and is an option alongside the likes of Timo Werner and Kai Havertz.

Instead, The Sunday World claims that Chelsea’s main focus is their defence.

READ MORE: Benitez tipped to raid Chelsea as competition hots up for England man