Chelsea are reportedly contemplating whether to rival Manchester City in the race for a Serie A goalkeeper.
The Blues are currently focused on delivering Champions League qualification for 2025-26 and lifting the Conference League trophy.
However, away from the pitch, rigorous planning will be underway with regards to the make-up of their senior squad for next season, it clear that a number of positions requiring strengthening.
Between the sticks has been an obvious area of concern, Enzo Maresca having switched between the inconsistent Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen in recent months.
With Djordje Petrovic impressing on loan at Strasbourg and Mike Penders due to arrive from Genk, there is not necessarily any need to look outside of Stamford Bridge for a new number one.
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Chelsea keen on Serbia international?
Nevertheless, according to Tuttosport, Chelsea officials have set their sights on acquiring the services of Vanja Milinkovic-Savic.
The report alleges that the Serbia international has a release clause of €20m (£16.73m), one which the club's hierarchy seemingly feel offers value for money.
Milinkovic-Savic has been at Torino since 2017, the long-serving stopper having conceded just 31 goals and kept nine clean sheets in his 28 Serie A appearances this campaign.
In total, the 19-cap international has made 151 outings in a Torino shirt, also spending time at the likes of SPAL, Ascoli and Standard Liege during his career.
With his contract due to expire in 2026, clubs are seemingly ready to take advantage of the situation, the aforementioned release clause in place until the end of July.
Maresca is said to have requested a new goalkeeper for next season with the Italian approving any move for Milinkovic-Savic.
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Summer move inevitable?
As a result of Torino seemingly being out of contention for a Conference League spot for next season, Milinkovic-Savic seems likely to exit the club.
While his track record and age suggests that there are more obvious options on the market, he is enjoying one of the strongest periods of his career.
Torino currently possess the joint-seventh best defensive record in Serie A, conceding fewer times than the likes of AC Milan and Lazio in 2024-25.
Man City could be viewed as the more attractive option, though, if an offer arrives on the back of any exit for long-standing number one Ederson.
Darren Plant
