Chelsea are one of several big clubs believed to be interested in signing Inter Milan midfielder Marcelo Brozovic, according to reports from Italy.

The Lowdown: Chelsea need a midfielder

The Blues have struggled in midfield throughout the season, with a combination of ageing players and injuries holding them back under both Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter.

It looks as though Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo is their primary transfer target, but the Seagulls appear to be holding firm in the January transfer window. That may require Chelsea to turn their attention elsewhere, which is where Brozovic comes into play.

The Latest: Interest in Brozovic

According to Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport (via football.london), the Blues see the Croatian as a possible signing before Tuesday's transfer deadline , but they aren't alone in showing an interest.

Juventus, Barcelona and Real Madrid are all mentioned as well, with Inter reportedly willing to sell him if an offer of €30m (£26.3m) arrives.

The Verdict: Good short-term option

Brozovic could be a very astute prospective signing by Chelsea this month considering his quality and experience at a high level, having won 83 caps for Croatia (including the 2018 World Cup final). He also tasted Serie A title glory with Inter in 2020/21 and has now made 302 appearances for the Nerazzurri, which is no mean feat.

His former manager Antonio Conte once said that Brozovic had the ability to become 'world class', and the 30-year-old could be an effective option for a couple of years at Stamford Bridge, especially in terms of improving Chelsea's passing game.

As per FBref, he ranks among the top 8% of midfielders in Europe's five main leagues for passes attempted and pass completion rate over the last 12 months.

However, the main caveat is that the Croatian wouldn't be a long-term solution for Chelsea in midfield, considering that he is only a year younger than N'Golo Kante and Jorginho, and two years older than compatriot Mateo Kovacic.