Chelsea eye £20m move to solve defensive issue and hope to pip Premier League rivals to long-term target

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Chelsea are reportedly set to offer £20m to sign FC Koln left-back Jonas Hector as Antonio Conte eyes late transfer activity to bolster his squad.

The Italian tactician has signed N’Golo Kante and Michy Batshuayi so far this summer, and both played their part in Chelsea’s win over West Ham United on Monday night.

However, more new arrivals are expected between now and the deadline, and according to The Mirror, Hector could be the latest name to be added to the shortlist.

Cesar Azpilicueta has established himself as the first-choice left-back at Stamford Bridge over the last two seasons, while youngster Ola Aina will provide competition for places.

Both men are naturally right-footed though and after Baba Rahman joined Schalke on a season-long loan deal earlier this month, Conte could potentially be short of options in that department.

Others will argue that there are other areas of the squad that should be being prioritised at this stage, and it’s a valid point as ultimately Azpilicueta was a reliable and consistent option last season.

Further, depth in central defence and up front would arguably be the first port of call for many Chelsea fans, but Conte seemingly has other ideas.

The Mirror claim that a £20m bid for the German international is being lined up, and that comes despite the fact that he inked a new deal with Koln just last week.

It’s also noted in the report that Liverpool have been linked with the 26-year-old this summer, but if speculation is to be believed, then the Reds will face competition from their Premier League rivals.

Weighing up the needs of the two clubs, Liverpool are arguably in a more desperate position given the on-going scrutiny that Alberto Moreno faces following his poor performance against Arsenal on Sunday, as the Spaniard is a glaring weakness in Jurgen Klopp’s side.

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