Chelsea face 'huge demand' to complete dream transfer

Tom Weber

Updated: 26 Nov 2024 12:10 GMT
3 min read

Patrick Dorgu's dream move to Chelsea is becoming more and more unlikely due to Lecce's refusal to lower their asking price.

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The Denmark international continues to impress in Serie A. Converted from his previous left-back role into a right-winger, Dorgu scored the crucial goal on Monday as Lecce recorded a much-needed victory over Venezia.

"He is a player with technical, physical and mental qualities," new coach Marco Giampaolo said after the game. "I liked him, he was a key part of the match."

Due to having been a full-back, the 20-year-old isn't yet the most productive of attackers, but he has scored a respectable three goals in his previous six appearances when played as a right-winger.

Already last season, his first in Serie A, Dorgu played himself into the spotlight with his performances at left-back and the versatility he has displayed this term will have only made him more attractive to suitors.

A boyhood Chelsea fan, Dorgu would love to play for the Blues and they were indeed interested in him in the summer, as were London rivals Tottenham. The problem was that Lecce demanded in excess of €35 million for the youngster.

Lecce not lowering their price

Any hope his admirers may have had that Lecce would soften their stance has been dashed time and time again this season. In October, Dorgu was handed a new long-term contract until 2029.

Now, Calciomercato reports that the Serie A club are still asking for up to €40m for the 20-year-old, which even the Italian outlet acknowledges is a 'huge demand.'

Dorgu, of course, doesn't only have suitors in England. Napoli boss Antonio Conte is said to have been hugely impressed with the Dane this season and was seen speaking to him after their 1-0 win over Lecce in late October.

Additionally, AC Milan are keeping tabs on the youngster. Neither Serie A giant, however, is in a position to meet Lecce's demands as things stand, while it also seems doubtful that Chelsea will return for him.