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.