CONFIRMED: Chelsea eye promising Serie A teenager

Steve Kay

• Updated: 19 Jul 2024 12:14 BST
• 3 min read

Confirmed

Chelsea are interested in signing Lecce's promising full-back Patrick Dorgu amid interest from Arsenal, FootbalTransfers has been told.

The Blues are keen to bolster their defensive lineup this summer, particularly at full-back. Marc Cucurella struggled throughout last season and Ben Chilwell has faced multiple injury setbacks. Furthermore, Chelsea sold left-back Ian Maatsen to Aston Villa following his loan spell with Borussia Dortmund.

Chelsea are looking at reinforcements for the left-side of defence and see Dorgu as an ideal fit. Standing at an impressive 6'2", the 19-year-old Danish talent has shown his versatility by excelling in multiple roles along the left flank. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with Arsenal previously sending scouts to monitor his progress.

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The Danish youth international has emerged as one of the standout breakout stars in Italian football this season. At just 19 years old, he was recruited from Nordsjaelland's U19 team by Lecce last summer. Despite his limited senior experience, he has quickly established himself as a regular fixture in the team.

It's thought that Arsenal's continued talks with Bologna's Riccardo Calafiori potentially leaves the door open for Chelsea to sign the young defender.

How much is Patrick Dorgu worth?

Dorgu's FootballTransfers’ Estimated Transfer Value algorithm (ETV) ranks him

at €9.3m. He has been instrumental for Lecce this season, earning 34 appearances across all competitions.

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Dorgu has expressed a strong desire to play in the Premier League and is open to a move to Stamford Bridge.

Back in March, he went on record to say that he is a supporter of the club. "I have been a Chelsea fan for many years, so of course it is clear that [joining them] is a dream," Dorgu told Flashscore. "That's not to say I can't switch to other teams in the Premier League, but even if things aren't going so well for them right now, they are my team."