Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Group A - Netherlands v Qatar - Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor, Qatar - November 29, 2022 Netherlands' Denzel Dumfries in action with Qatar's Abdelkarim Hassan REUTERS/Piroschka Van De Wouw
Chelsea are one of several big clubs who are interested in signing Inter Milan right-back Denzel Dumfries, whose agent has been in contact over a possible move, according to a transfer report from Italy.
The Lowdown: Dumfries shines at World Cup
The 26-year-old has impressed at the last couple of major tournaments for the Netherlands, catching the eye at both Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup, with three goal contributions in each of those.
In Qatar, Dumfries registered two assists and also chipped in with a goal against the USA, being hailed as a ‘brilliant‘ player by Micah Richards and a ‘breath of fresh air‘ by Rio Ferdinand.
It could be that the Dutchman’s future lies away from Inter Milan as he looks for a fresh challenge, which is where Chelsea come into the picture – along with other prospective suitors.
The Latest: Chelsea contacted over Dumfries
According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, the Blues are interested in signing Dumfries, whose current deal at Inter expires at the end of the 2024/25 season.
Manchester United and Bayern Munich are also believed to be in the mix, in what looks like a strong battle for his signature, with all three clubs reportedly in contact with agent Rafaela Pimenta over a possible €50m+ (£44m) transfer.
The Verdict: Good competition for James
Dumfries could be a strong prospective signing for Chelsea, especially considering how often he has played as a right wing-back for both Inter and Netherlands in a 3-5-2 formation, a system that Graham Potter has used a few times at Stamford Bridge already.
The £55k-per-week defender could provide good competition for Reece James, admittedly having to accept being likely second choice initially but potentially profiting from the Englishman’s ongoing injury problems.
A tally of seven goals and 10 assists in 68 appearances for Inter highlights his attacking quality, while also finding the net six times for his country.
Whether or not Dumfries is content with possibly being a squad player at Chelsea could be pivotal in deciding his next club, though, with James likely to be Potter’s first-choice when fit, having been a regular for the past two full seasons.
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