Chelsea are reportedly preparing a move for Atalanta defender Giorgio Scalvini after completing the signing of Brighton & Hove Albion striker Danny Welbeck.
The Blues confirmed the arrival of the former England international on Saturday, with Welbeck signing a two-year contract at Stamford Bridge.
Welbeck, who previously played for Manchester United and Arsenal before joining Brighton, becomes Chelsea’s fourth signing of the summer, following the arrivals of Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa, Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace and Marco Palestra from Atalanta.
Despite those additions, Chelsea are expected to remain active in the transfer market as they continue to strengthen manager Xabi Alonso’s squad ahead of the new season.
According to reports, the club has now turned its attention to Atalanta centre-back Scalvini. The 22-year-old has made more than 100 appearances for his boyhood club and played a key role in the Italian side’s UEFA Europa League triumph in 2024.
Scalvini’s performances have attracted interest from several European clubs, with reports claiming Chelsea have made direct contact with the defender’s representatives over a potential transfer.
However, the west London club faces competition from Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United, both of whom are also monitoring the Italy international.
Tottenham’s interest is believed to be linked to the expected departure of Cristian Romero, who has been strongly linked with a move to Inter Milan in a deal reportedly worth £34 million.
Atalanta are understood to value Scalvini at no less than £42 million, while the defender is reportedly open to a move to the Premier League, believing the time is right to take the next step in his career.
Chelsea’s recent acquisition of Lacroix means the club currently has 10 central defenders on its books. However, Alonso is expected to oversee a defensive reshuffle, with several players likely to leave before the transfer window closes.
Trevoh Chalobah is reportedly closing in on a move to Como, managed by former Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fàbregas, while Axel Disasi has been linked with a move to Italy. Benoît Badiashile is also expected to leave Stamford Bridge this summer.
Meanwhile, Welbeck arrives after enjoying the most prolific Premier League campaign of his career, scoring 13 league goals for Brighton last season. The veteran forward said he still has “fire in my belly” as he looks forward to the next chapter of his career in west London.
