BERGAMO, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 28: Marten De Roon of Atalanta BC in action during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and UC Sampdoria at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia on September 28, 2015 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images)
According to The Express, Chelsea could target Atalanta midfielder Marten de Roon next summer.
The 29-year-old is set to be a free agent next summer and is a cheaper alternative for Declan Rice.
The Blues were heavily linked with a move for the West Ham United star all summer. However, the deal failed to take off and the Hammers have placed a £60m price tag on the 21-year-old.
De Roon has prior experience of playing in the Premier League. The Dutch international was a part of a Middlesborough side that got relegated in 2017.
It was a short-lived stay at the North Yorkshire outfit for the 29-year-old. He made 36 appearances across all competitions, scoring five goals. (h/t Transfermarkt)
He promptly returned to Atalanta and has since stepped up his game. De Roon played all nine games in the Champions League last season as the Italians made it to the quarterfinals.
De Roon is not the only player on the list. Chelsea is also keeping tabs on Nice midfielder Danilo.
The 24-year-old Brazilian is also in the last year of his contract and could be signed for free next summer. Both players represent value for money and will add much to the Chelsea squad.
Frank Lampard could also look to bring in a new left-back. With both Marcos Alonso and Emerson Palmieri rumoured to leave, a backup for Ben Chilwell is necessary.
Two players who could make their way to Stamford Bridge are Danny Rose and Ryan Bertrand.
Bertrand is a player Chelsea are familiar with. The Englishman made 57 appearances for the Blues during his nine-year stay at the club. He eventually moved to Southampton on a permanent basis in 2014.
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