UMVA has learned that Chelsea is on the verge of making a major signing in the summer transfer window, with Juventus left-back Andrea Cambiaso emerging as the top target.
The Blues have been forced to turn to the transfer market amid growing doubts over Marc Cucurella's future, with the Spaniard reportedly being courted by several top clubs, including Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, and Manchester City.
Chelsea's interest in Cambiaso comes after a disastrous campaign that saw both Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior lose their jobs, and Stamford Bridge bosses are determined to strengthen several areas in the squad to give incoming manager Xabi Alonso the best possible chance of meeting expectations next season.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Cambiaso had previously caught the eye of Alonso when he was in charge of Real Madrid, and the Italian could be the ideal replacement for Cucurella, who has made no secret of his frustrations with decisions being made at the top.
Sources have confirmed to UMVA that Juventus are open to the idea of selling Cambiaso this summer, with a potential offer from Chelsea in the works. The Italian club may be prepared to sacrifice the player in order to make up for the lack of Champions League revenue, having finished the season down in sixth place.
An offer of around £43m could be enough to prise Cambiaso away from Turin, with the 26-year-old remaining a player of interest to the Premier League's elite. The opportunity to test himself in the English top flight is viewed as a major temptation for Cambiaso, and a summer move cannot be ruled out.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that Barcelona and Como have also been credited with an interest in Cambiaso, with both teams said to have made inquiries to gauge the player's availability. Juventus could be coaxed into a deal for Cambiaso should they receive an offer in the region of €50m (£43m) for the Italian.
Cambiaso's current contract with Juve is not due to expire until June 2029, but the Italian had a mixed season with the Serie A giants, enduring a series of defensive lapses in concentration that cost his side. Despite this, Luciano Spalletti has defended Cambiaso, describing him as a complete player who knows how to play football and can do everything.
