Chelsea sent scouts to watch AC Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali in action against AS Roma last Saturday, according to reports.
There were many other top clubs that sent their representatives to attend this match, but according to 90min, Chelsea’s were there specifilly for two Milan players; Tonali and Rafael Leao.
Leao is arguably the more exciting player out of the two, considering what he offers in the final third, but it seems unlikely that Chelsea would make a move for him this summer.
While the Portugal international was linked with a possible move to Stamford Bridge earlier this season, Chelsea already invested in Mykhailo Mudryk, who also plays on the left.
Reports in Italy also suggest that Leao is getting closer to signing a new deal with Milan.
On the other hand, Tonali could be the defensive midfielder Chelsea need.
The Italy international mostly plays in a double pivot in Stefano Pioli’s 4-2-3-1.
He is quite versatile and capable of playing as a lone defensive midfielder and as a number eight, too.
Defensively, Tonali may not be as good as a few other names Chelsea have been linked with in this position, such as West Ham’s Declan Rice and Southampton’s Romeo Lavia, but he offers a lot more offensively than many on this list.
The former Brescia ace has registered two goals and six assists for Milan in Serie A this season and is averaging 1.6 key passes, while making two tackles and almost one interception per game.
People tend to associate Italian players in this position with the regista role, and while Tonali often plays this role, he is stronger and faster than, let’s say, Jorginho.
That said, his decision-making in aerial duels is still relatively poor.
Tonali would likely cost considerably less than the aforementioned Premier League stars, but convincing him to leave Milan and for the club to sell him could prove difficult.
Milan is his boyhood club, and he is under contract at San Siro until 2027.
Keep up to date with all the latest Chelsea news and opinion by following The Chelsea Chronicle’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
