Chelsea have been linked with a move for Inter Milan's Milan Skriniar. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
According to journalist Simon Phillips (h/t Football.London), Chelsea are sensing a potential opportunity to sign Inter Milan centre-back Milan Skriniar for free next summer.
In the foregone summer transfer window, as per Express, Chelsea were in the race with Tottenham Hotspur to sign the defender, but a move did not materialise. In September, Manchester City also joined the race but the rumours did not catch much spark in the last few weeks.
The 27-year-old’s contract at San Siro expires at the end of this season (Transfermarkt). A few days ago, Football.London reported that Inter have to improve their contract if they are to make the Slovakia captain beyond the end of this season.
Skriniar has been one of the top centre-backs in Europe in the last few years. He was one of the key figures at the back in Inter’s Serie A title win in 2021. He has been with the Nerazzurri since 2017 and improved his game to the next level in these years.
Chelsea would ideally be in the market for a new centre-back with the future of veteran Thiago Silva in doubt. The Brazil captain is 38 now and highly unlikely to go on after this season. His contract ends in the summer and he hasn’t decided on an extension yet.
Skriniar has all the qualities needed to be a perfect Silva replacement. The 27-year-old has top-flight experience, great physical strength, possesses excellent reading of the game and is a good passer of the ball.
The Blues have been linked with RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol as well, who is a younger option at 20 years of age. He is having a fantastic World Cup, which adds to his value.
With Skriniar, it’s obvious we will get heaps of experience. Fit centre-backs have long shelf lives, and we can’t rule out the former Sampdoria man playing well into his 30s, which would make him a smart option to sign in the short and long term – that too potentially for nothing.
As much as it would be a shame whenever Silva leaves, we need to find an able replacement sooner rather than later. Skriniar offers more experience and strength, which might be useful, especially if Graham Potter persists with a back-three formation.
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