Chelsea are interested in on-loan Real Madrid midfielder Brahim Diaz, who could be available in the market after the end of his spell at AC Milan, according to The Sun.
This is the 23-year-old’s third consecutive season at Milan, but the two-year loan agreement between the Italian club and Real Madrid ends this summer.
Milan reportedly have the option to sign Diaz permanently for €22million (£19.2m), which is relatively low in the current market, but activating the clause would also give Madrid a buy-back option at €27m (£23.5m).
If the defending Serie A champions decided against triggering the option, Real Madrid could then be looking for potential suitors for the Spain international this summer.
The Sun claims that both Chelsea and Newcastle United have been made aware of the versatile midfielder’s potential availability this summer.
As it stands, Chelsea do not really need another attacking midfielder, but it could soon change if Mason Mount, whose future at Stamford Bridge reportedly depends on whether he agrees to a new contract, leaves the club.
Diaz mainly plays as a number 10 in Milan’s 4-2-3-1 system, but like Mount, he is also capable of playing as wide attacker.
He has registered four goals and three assists in Serie A this season, which is the third-highest direct goal contributions among AC Milan players, below Olivier Giroud and Rafael Leao.
Many Chelsea fans would likely argue that if the club were to lose Mount, they should sign Joao Felix permanently, instead.
However, Atletico Madrid are expected to demand a high price for the Portugal international and Chelsea have other priorities this summer, potentially including a new reliable goalscorer.
The simplest way to avoid this is for Chelsea to reach an agreement with Mount over a new contract, which would likely be the most cost-effective solution, anyway.
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