It has been claimed that Chelsea will make a move for AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders in the summer should the Italian side fail to qualify for the Champions League.
The Blues are set to take on Copenhagen in the first leg of their Conference League round of 16 clash on Thursday, with the Londoners strong favourites to win the competition.
However, Enzo Maresca's side are at risk of missing out on Champions League football next season, as while they are fifth in the Premier League, just five points separate 10th-placed Aston Villa from fourth-placed Manchester City.
Chelsea were at one stage earlier this season considered a potential title candidate, but in order to move towards the top of the table in future campaigns, Maresca will almost certainly need to reinforce his team.
CalcioMercato report that the Blues could make a move for AC Milan midfielder Reijnders in the summer window, with the Serie A side potentially having to sell first-team stars if they miss out on a Champions League qualification spot due to their poor financial health.
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What does Reijnders offer?
Reijnders has proven to be an incredibly versatile midfielder given he has operated in both deeper and more advanced roles during his time with Milan.
The 26-year-old has scored eight goals and provided two assists in 26 Serie A games this term and has significantly over-performed his expected goals figure of 4.5.
Though the midfielder cannot be described as a volume passer, he has shown a strong ability to dribble the ball past opponents, and only Rafael Leao (94) has attempted more than his 85 progressive carries in the Milan squad.
Reijnders should also be praised for managing to excel despite his side's struggles, with his team currently in ninth place in Serie A.
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Should Chelsea strengthen other areas?
Given Cole Palmer has at times operated in an attacking midfield role under Maresca this season, it is difficult to see Reijnders coming into the starting XI to play in an advanced position.
Additionally, considering the Blues have spent over £200m on midfielders Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo, perhaps the club should look elsewhere in the upcoming summer market.
Chelsea have only kept three clean sheets in their past 22 league fixtures, with goalkeepers Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen facing scrutiny for their performances.
The Blues have also had to deal with numerous injuries in the backline - the club recalled Trevoh Chalobah from his loan deal at Crystal Palace in January but he too is now injured - and strengthening in defence must be a priority.
Lewis Nolan
