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Chelsea told they must pay £26 million to sign “skillful” Juventus defender who is “similar to Paolo Maldini”

Chelsea are expected to be one of the busiest clubs in the transfer market this summer as they look to recover from a hugely disappointing 2025/26 campaign.

After finishing 10th in the Premier League and missing out on European football altogether, a major rebuild is on the agenda at Stamford Bridge. Incoming manager Xabi Alonso is expected to oversee significant changes, with strengthening the back line likely to be one of the club’s top priorities.

That need could become even greater if Marc Cucurella departs, with the Spaniard continuing to attract interest from several leading European clubs.

As a result, Chelsea are already being linked with potential replacements — and one Juventus star has emerged as a name to watch.

Chelsea Learn Cambiaso Price

According to Calciomercato, Chelsea have been made aware that Juventus would be willing to discuss the sale of Andrea Cambiaso this summer for a fee in the region of €30 million (£26 million).

The 25-year-old Italy international has developed into one of Juventus’ most important players over the last two seasons, thanks to his versatility and ability to operate on either flank. AC Milan legend Mauro Tassotti has previously described Cambiaso as both “skillful” and “similar to Paolo Maldini”, underlining the regard in which he is held in Italian football.

While reports in Italy have linked Chelsea with a move, there is currently no indication that formal negotiations have begun. However, the Blues are believed to be monitoring the situation closely as they assess defensive targets ahead of Alonso’s first season in charge.

Juventus are not actively pushing Cambiaso towards the exit door, but club chiefs are understood to be open to offers they deem suitable. With the defender contracted until 2029, the Serie A giants remain in a strong negotiating position.

Much of Chelsea’s interest is thought to depend on developments surrounding Cucurella’s future. Should the Spanish full-back leave Stamford Bridge, Cambiaso could quickly emerge as one of the leading candidates to replace him.

Barnaby Lane is a highly experienced sports writer who has written for The Times, FourFourTwo Magazine, Sports Illustrated, TalkSPORT, and Business Insider. Over the years, he's had the pleasure of interviewing some of the biggest names in world sport, including Usain Bolt, Rafael Nadal, Christian Pulisic, and more.

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