Blues negotiating big-money defender deal.Chelsea are in talks with AS Roma over the possible £30m signing of in-demand centre-back Mehdi Benatia, according to the Daily Express.
The Moroccan international has been the subject of much interest from top clubs in this summer’s transfer window, with Manchester United thought to be the leading contenders to snap him up not long ago.
However, despite Jose Mourinho insisting he was not looking to sign any more players, talks have begun for a deal to bring Benatia to Stamford Bridge ahead of the new season.
Chelsea have already sold David Luiz to Paris Saint-Germain this summer and could do with more options in defence, with only youngster Kurt Zouma currently available as a backup option to John Terry and Gary Cahill at present.
Benatia’s performances last season saw him become established as one of the best defensive players in Europe, and it is no surprise to see top clubs battling it out for his signature this summer.
United may now be out of the running to sign the 27-year-old, and have reportedly switched their focus to targeting Sporting Lisbon’s versatile Argentine defender Marcos Rojo.
Chelsea are also rivalling the Red Devils for the signing of another Serie A star at the moment, Fiorentina winger Juan Cuadrado.
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Benatia Chelsea.