Chelsea considering a “swap-deal” for top Serie A defensive star

Chelsea consider a swap deal involving Ruben Loftus Cheek and Milan Skriniar

The Todd Boehly era is set to usher top-class signings at Stamford Bridge, and Chelsea are plotting a potential swap deal involving Ruben Loftus Cheek and Milan Skriniar.

The Slovak centre-back is a towering presence at the back – something that Thomas Tuchel will highly appreciate following the departure of Antonio Rudiger to Real Madrid. Skriniar has been at the heart of Inter’s defence since joining from Sampdoria in 2017. 

The Italian giants have braced themselves for big changes this summer and owing to the club’s financial difficulties, few top names may be out the door provided the right offer arrives. 

According to Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Daily Mail), the solution to reaching an agreement for Lukaku’s return to Inter, who the club are interested in bringing back, involves the sale of Skriniar to Chelsea.

To bring the transfer fee significantly down, the Blues are exploring the possibility of a swap deal for the defender which would involve accomplished academy graduate Ruben Loftus cheek. Inter, however, remain interested in only a straight cash deal.

Is Skrniar the answer to Chelsea’s defensive woes?

The 27-year-old has played 215 games for the Nerazzurri and was a vital cog in their Scudetto-winning machine under Antonio Conte. He has also helped lead Inter to Coppa Italia and Supercoppa success and forged a formidable partnership with Alessandro Bastoni at the heart of Inter’s defence. 

Needless to say that Skriniar has proved himself at the top-level, time and time again for many seasons now. A seasoned professional like him is exactly what Tuchel is looking at for his new-look backline. 

The departures of Rudiger and Andreas Christensen have left the Blues in dire need of at least two top centre-backs this summer. Should Chelsea successfully acquire Jules Kounde and Skriniar, they will have addressed a key requirement in their rebuild.

Lest we forget, Tuchel’s set-up requires a commanding backline that is very hard to crack down. That has been the German tactician’s modus operandi at Stamford Bridge and has brought them much success under his tenure.

More Chelsea news:

• 30-year-old Serie A superstar ‘tempted’ by Chelsea’s £165k-a-week offer
• Report: Chelsea set to submit €40m bid for top South American defender
• Injury News: Chelsea superstar withdraws from international duty due to fitness issue

If Chelsea are to re-establish themselves as Europe’s premier club, they have to put together a near unbreakable defensive unit. Signing Skrniar will solve half that problem, and those who think highly of the defender at SW6 know that as well.