Romano reveals TRUTH about Chelsea target

Cameron Smith

• 22 Sept 2024 15:00 BST
• 3 min read

Chelsea are no longer pursuing a move for Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

The Stamford Bridge outfit were interested in signing Kerkez during the summer transfer window, FootballTransfers understands, with Arsenal and Manchester United also keen.

However, the Hungary international remained at Bournemouth and Chelsea opted to sign Renato Veiga from Basel instead.

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As a result, the Blues aren’t actively looking to purchase Kerkez in 2025.

That is according to the aforementioned Romano, who told CaughtOffside: “I’m aware there have been some stories about interest in Milos Kerkez.

“First of all, however, Bournemouth are not confirming how long is left on his contract, but it’s surely not expiring in 2025, so the situation is under control from their point of view.

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“No contacts are taking place with Chelsea now, from what I’m told - also because Marc Cucurella and Renato Veiga are doing very well.

“Kerkez was one of the options for Man United in the first part of the summer transfer window, but he was then considered too expensive.”

Kerkez made 33 appearances in all competitions during his debut campaign at Bournemouth, having joined the club from AZ Alkmaar last summer, and his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) currently stands at €15.4 million.

Chelsea’s transfer plans

While Chelsea appear unlikely to sign Kerkez as things stand, they are continually linked with Lecce left-back Patrick Dorgu, who is also wanted by Tottenham Hotspur and Man Utd.

The Denmark defender, who scored on his international debut, is a self-confessed Chelsea fan and has previously admitted that joining the Blues would be a “dream.”

In addition to Dorgu, Chelsea are also interested in finally completing a deal for Victor Osimhen in 2025, after missing out on the Nigeria international this summer.

However, Nicolas Jackson’s recent form may ensure the Blues decide against strongly pushing for Osimhen.