Chelsea have scouted central defender who restricted Joao Felix to zero shots, three other Europeans giants want him

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Chelsea are being linked with a fresh name as they weigh up signing a new central defender this summer.

Rumours suggest that Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi and Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen are the centre-backs on the top of Chelsea‘s shortlist.

In fact, it has been claimed that Chelsea are determined to sign Guehi when the transfer window opens.

However, it appears that Guehi and Huijsen are not the only centre-halves currently being considered by the Blues.

• READ MORE: Whether Joao Felix is likely to return to Chelsea as Blues’ opinion of AC Milan teammate Rafael Leao emerges

Chelsea scout Bologna’s Sam Beukema

Last month, Chelsea scouted Liam Delap during Ipswich Town’s 4-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.

As well as Delap, it looks like the Blues have also been watching Bologna’s Sam Beukema in person.

According to the official website of journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Chelsea sent scouts to go watch Beukema in Bologna’s 2-1 victory against AC Milan on Thursday.

If Chelsea decide they want to sign the 26-year-old, though, the club could face stiff competition from some big European giants.

Inter Milan, Juventus and Atletico Madrid are all also thought to be admirers of Beukema, who has been a key player for Bologna this season.

In total, the Dutchman has made 34 appearances in all competitions for Vincenzo Italiano’s side.

For now, though, it looks like Guehi is the central defender Chelsea really want. Chelsea hope Guehi’s valuation is lowered before they make a move for him.

Joao Felix struggled against Sam Beukema and Bologna

One Chelsea player will already be familiar with Beukema after going up against the former AZ Alkmaar man earlier this week.

Joao Felix, who is on loan at Milan, started in the Rossoneri’s 2-1 loss to Bologna and really had a game to forget.

The forward did not finish the fixture after being withdrawn just after the hour mark and failed to register a single shot all match, according to Sofascore.

Beukema and the rest of Bologna’s backline managed to do their job against Felix, though Rafael Leao was still able to score.

But it was not enough, as Beukema and his teammates were able to hold on to their lead as Chelsea scouts watched on.