Antonio Conte threatens €40m Chelsea transfer - Fabrizio Romano

Tom Weber

Updated: 26 Oct 2024 18:01 BST
3 min read

Napoli have been monitoring Patrick Dorgu 'for a long time,' according to Fabrizio Romano.

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The Lecce left-back, who is seemingly in the process of being converted into a winger, has enchanted Europe's elite. Dorgu is now a full Denmark international and frequently linked with a huge move.

In the summer, Chelsea and Tottenham were hot on his trail, but no transfer ultimately materialised due to Lecce demanding as much as €40 million for the 19-year-old.

Dorgu certainly would have jumped at the opportunity to join the Blues as he is a boyhood Chelsea fan, so a move to Stamford Bridge would have been a dream come true for him.

It didn't happen and, instead of sulking, the versatile youngster has continued to impress and was recently rewarded with a new and improved contract until 2029.

Conte softens up Dorgu

While Lecce's price tag ruined a Chelsea move in the summer, a new approach could be foiled by none other than former Blues boss Antonio Conte. According to Fabrizio Romano, Napoli have been keeping tabs on Dorgu 'for a long time.'

Napoli beat Lecce 1-0 on Saturday to cement their place at the summit of Serie A and, after the match, Conte was spotted making a beeline for Dorgu to commiserate with the 19-year-old on the defeat - and perhaps to soften him up for a future switch.

Though Napoli already boast three senior left-backs, they could use an upgrade in that position, with Mario Rui and the currently injured Leonardo Spinazzola on the wrong side of 30.

Dorgu played in his favoured left-back role against Napoli even though he has often been used as a winger, both on the left and the right, this season. The Dane certainly left an impression on Conte. According to FootballCritic, he was Lecce's best outfield player on the day.

Read more about: Serie A, Premier League, Chelsea, Lecce, Napoli, P. Dorgu