Chelsea Identify Bayern Munich Defender They Will Sign After Matthijs De Ligt Transfer Blow

• Chelsea have been linked with a potential summer move for Bayern Munich defender, Benjamin Pavard
• The Blues had earlier shortlisted Juve's Matthijs de Ligt as a top target, but they face the prospect of losing the Dutchman to Bayern
• Reports in Germany now suggest that the West Londoners have identified Pavard as a possible plan B to De Ligt

Chelsea are reportedly interested in the signing of Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard as an alternative to Juve's Matthijs de Ligt blow.

The Blues are in the market for new defenders to reinforce their backline after the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.

Metro UK reports that Thomas Tuchel is keen to sign at least two centre-backs this summer as he prepares his charges for the new season.

The publication claims Juventus star De Ligt had emerged as Chelsea's top target, with West Londoners negotiating a fee with the Italian giants.

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However, that deal is on the verge of collapsing, with reports suggesting that Bayern have joined the race to sign the former Ajax defender.

Chelsea turns attention on Bayern's Benjamin Pavard

Sky Germany reports that Chelsea have since shifted their attention to landing Pavard from Bayern as an alternative to De Ligt.

The France international operated at right-back last term, with Noussair Mazraoui providing competition in that position after he joined the Bavarians from Ajax.

Pavard is understood to be keen to establish himself as a centre-back at Bayern, but the Bundesliga club's intention is to bring in De Ligt to play that role.

That leaves the 26-year-old Frenchman in a complicated situation, with the development projected to push him out of the club.

Chelsea are now said to be among the frontrunners who could sign the former Stuttgart defender.

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Romelu Lukaku gets heroic welcome after Inter return

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Romelu Lukaku received a befitting reception as he touched down in Italy ahead of his return to Inter Milan.

A video capturing Lukaku's arrival in Italy showed a jubilant crowd eager to catch a glimpse of the Belgian chanting his name.

Chelsea resolved to offload the 29-year-old temporarily after an underwhelming 2022/23 campaign where he managed just eight Premier League goals.