Chelsea may turn to Burnley man after losing out on £75m defender

Chelsea have joined Arsenal and Manchester City in pursuing Burnley centre back James Tarkowski, according to the Daily Star.

The Times reported last week that both the Gunners and City were looking at the 25 year old in a bid to strengthen their options at centre half, and it seems the Blues are now also keeping an eye on the former Brentford defender.

Tarkowski’s partnership with Ben Mee at the heart of Burnley’s defence this season has contributed hugely to Sean Dyche side’s impressive league performances. The Clarets have the fourth best defence in the league, helping the club to seventh position after 20 games played.

Blues boss Antonio Conte was reportedly keen on recruiting another defender in January but his plans to sign Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk have been scuppered after Liverpool agreed a £75m deal to sign the centre half. Tarkowski is a possible alternative that Chelsea are considering, the Daily Star reports, but it is clear they may have to fight off rivals if they want to sign the defender.