Fabrizio Romano now claims Chelsea want to offer players in deal to sign £42m man

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Chelsea are willing to offer players in their bid to sign one target this summer.

The Blues have had a busy week in the transfer window, recently confirming the signings of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Marc Guiu from Leicester City and Barcelona respectively.

They have also brought in central defender Tosin Adarabioyo from Fulham after the expiration of his contract there.

However, Chelsea do not appear to be finished in the transfer market.

They could bring in another defender before it closes.

Chelsea in battle with Premier League rivals for defender

Despite signing Adarabioyo and having other central defensive options, the Blues still look keen on signing another centre-back.

Chelsea have been heavily linked with Bologna’s Riccardo Calafiori, and according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, they are prepared to offer the Italian club players in a potential deal for the 22-year-old.

However, Romano has also claimed that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta wants Calafiori, who could cost €50m (£42m) this summer.

Speaking on X, he said: “More on Riccardo Calafiori. Mikel Arteta approved Italian defender, part of 3 defender targets list.

“Arsenal have also good relationship with Bologna after [Takehiro] Tomiyasu deal; request is around €50m, still no formal bid. Chelsea would offer players as part of the deal.”

• READ MORE: Serie A club would rather sell Chelsea target abroad this summer

Who is Riccardo Calafiori more likely to join, Chelsea or Arsenal?

This could be a transfer battle that Chelsea lose this summer.

According to journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Calafiori is actually moving closer to joining Arsenal.

It would be disappointing for Chelsea to lose out on such a promising player to one of their rivals.

However, the Blues’ defence looks to be in good shape. As well as Adarabioyo, Enzo Maresca also has Benoit Badiashile, Levi Colwill, Axel Disasi, Wesley Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah, who can all play in central defence.

Being able to play at left-back as well, Chelsea could be targeting Calafiori for that position.

But with Marc Cucurella and Ben Chilwell both still at the club for now, you can argue that Maresca has enough there, though the latter’s injury record is a concern.