'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing former Tottenham Hotspur transfer target and Villarreal centre-back Pau Torres this summer.
According to Calciomercatoweb, the Blues will attempt to acquire the Spaniard after reportedly stumbling to secure the signature of Sevilla defender Jules Kounde. The Premier League giants are willing to bid €50 million for Pau Torres.
Thomas Tuchel's side parted ways with Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen last month after the expiration of their contracts. The club was therefore expected to sign two world-class defenders to replace the duo. Chelsea signed Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli earlier this month and have also bid for Jules Kounde.
Trending
The Frenchman has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge over the last couple of months. Kounce could, however, snub the Blues and join La Liga giants Barcelona, who are still in the race for his signature. Xavi Hernandez's side have reportedly reached an agreement in principle with Sevilla over a transfer for the 23-year-old. Chelsea have therefore identified Pau Torres as an alternate option.
The Spaniard rose through the youth ranks at Villarreal before making his debut for the club's senior team during the 2016-17 campaign. He helped the Spanish club win the Europa League during the 2019-20 season. His impressive performances earned him a place in Luis Enrique's Spain squad for Euro 2020.
Torres played a crucial role in Spain's run to the competition's semi-finals. His defensive displays helped Villarreal reach the semi-finals of the Champions League last season. The 25-year-old is expected to move to one of Europe's top clubs soon.
As per The Guardian, last summer Tottenham offered €60 million for the defender and a salary package that was believed to be four times more than what he is earning at Villarreal. Despite Unai Emery's side's willingness to accept the offer, Torres rejected the chance to join Spurs.
Chelsea look set to attempt to persuade Pau Torres to make the move to the Premier League this summer. The west London club will be desperate to sign a young defender to play alongside Kalidou Koulibaly and Thiago Silva in a back three next season.
Tottenham have switched focus to Milan Skriniar after failing to sign Chelsea target Pau Torres
Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte is keen to sign another defender despite acquiring Clement Lenglet from Barcelona on a season-long loan deal. The north London club failed to sign Chelsea target Pau Torres and have switched their focus to alternate options.
According to Football Fancast, the club is interested in signing Inter Milan centre-back Milan Skriniar. The Slovakian has arguably been one of the best defenders in Serie A over the last couple of seasons. The 27-year-old has made 215 appearances for the Italian giants since joining the club in 2017.
He helped them win the 2020-21 Serie A title and finish as runners-up in the league last season. The defender's tenacity, experience, and quality could convert Tottenham into potential title contenders.
