Chelsea have joined the chase for Nikola Milenkovic, with Tottenham and at least two big Italian sides keen on the Fiorentina defender.
According to Firenze Viola, Chelsea are in the race for Nikola Milenkovic, with multiple other sides also vying for the central defender. Fiorentina are happy to sell if a bid over €15 million arrives for the defender, who enters the final year of his contract.
Nikola Milenkovic looked destined to depart Fiorentina last summer amid interest from Premier League sides. But, the Serbian defender signed a one-year extension with the Serie A side and stayed put in Florence.
The 24-year-old is now likely to move on this summer, and Fiorentina are looking for a price of €15 million to part ways with the defender, although they have yet to receive any concrete bids. There is no doubt about the significant interest in the defender, as Premier League sides, along with at least two big clubs from Serie A, are keen.
Juventus and Inter Milan are rumoured to be keeping tabs on his situation, but the most substantial interest has come from England, with Tottenham keen on Milenkovic. Antonio Conte is looking to sign another defender despite the arrival of Clement Lenglet on loan from Barcelona.
However, Tottenham face tough competition from Chelsea, who seek to add another defender before the window shuts. Having signed Kalidou Koulibaly earlier, Thomas Tuchel is keen on a new centre-back. The Blues saw a £60 million bid rejected by Leicester City, who demanded at least £80 million.
If Chelsea cannot agree on a deal for Fofana, Milenkovic could become a reliable option for a significantly lesser price. The €15 million price tag should not be any trouble for the Blues to cough up, although whether he fits in Tuchel’s system could be the question.
Chelsea are also closing in on Marc Cucurella from Brighton and lodged a bid worth more than £50 million in the last few days. While the Seagulls publicly suggested no deal has been agreed yet, it could materialise imminently.
As for Milenkovic, the report insists the race is open. However, in the scenario that no offers arrive, Fiorentina could agree on a new deal with the defender until 2026 with a salary of €3 million per season.
