‘Complete fiction’ – Chelsea handed clear transfer update after €50m bid

Chelsea are unlikely to pursue a summer move for Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni, with reports of a €50 million bid described as “complete fiction.”

The Italy international has been linked with a blockbuster transfer to Stamford Bridge before Deadline Day following news that Levi Colwill could miss the entire season with an ACL injury.

Ahead of Chelsea’s opening Premier League match of the season, Enzo Maresca revealed that he would like to sign a new centre-back before the window closes on 1 September, although he later clarified that he wants to find an internal solution, with Tosin Adarbioyo likely to step into a more prominent role in Colwill’s absence.

Despite this, Chelsea continue to be linked with a number of central defenders, including former academy starlet Marc Guehi and Bayer Leverkusen star Piero Hincapie.

The aforementioned Bastoni has also reportedly been identified as a potential transfer target by the Blues hierarchy and Gazzetta dello Sport recently claimed that a €50m bid had been lodged by Chelsea.

This supposed offer was quickly rebuffed by Inter, although The Daily Mail state that rumours suggesting Chelsea lodged a concrete bid for Bastoni are “complete fiction.”

The reigning Club World Cup champions aren’t expected to dip back into the centre-back market this summer, with Maresca already boasting Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, Benoit Badiashile, Jorrel Hato, Josh Acheampong and the aforementioned Tosin as top-level options.

Axel Disasi also remains at the club, however he has been deemed surplus to requirements and Chelsea are desperate to offload him on a permanent deal before the end of Transfer Deadline Day.

Chelsea’s transfer plans

Chelsea are, however, eager to bolster their attacking roster with the additions of RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons and Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho.

Both players have already agreed personal terms with the Blues, although they will be unable to complete a move to Stamford Bridge until Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku are sold.

The pair have been excluded from Chelsea’s matchday squad for both of their opening two fixtures of the 2025-26 campaign and Maresca has admitted that departures are likely.

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