Chelsea are in the market for defensive additions following the appointment of Maurizio Sarri, who is fighting to land an international centre-back.
The Blues’ interest in Juventus’ Daniele Rugani has been confirmed by the player’s agent, amidst speculation that Sarri is edging towards bringing the 23-year-old to Stamford Bridge as his second signing – following last week’s capture of Jorginho.
Rugani worked with Sarri during the duo’s time with Empoli and is believed to be keen on a move for more regular first-team football after facing a wealth of competition for a starting berth in Maximiliano Allegri’s side last term.
However, his agent insists that is client is happy in Turin but admitted that Chelsea are interested. Speaking ahead of Juventus’ International Champions Cup clash with Bayern Munich in Philadelphia, Davide Torchia said:
“The interest from Chelsea is there for Rugani. Beyond the figures though there’s a technical question, neither the player nor Juventus have ever said they want a sale.
“The operation with Chelsea is separate from [Gonzalo] Higuain, each deal has a different cost and different dynamics. The two players can bring in different profits. Rugani is calm and happy, he’s at the pre-season training camp and he’s thinking about Juventus.
“Tonight he’ll play against Bayern Munich, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have offers, just that he’s thinking of his current club, which is at the highest level.”
