Chelsea eye summer move for AC Milan defender Strahinja Pavlovic | OneFootball

Chelsea are planning another summer rebuild and have set their sights on AC Milan centre-back Strahinja Pavlovic, according to Calciomercato.

The Blues are expected to reinforce the defensive areas this summer, with the club keen to back under-fire manager Liam Rosenior.

Chelsea’s form has taken a nosedive over the past few weeks, leaving their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League in significant jeopardy.

Rosenior’s side have won just one of their last six Premier League games and have also lost four consecutive matches for the first time in over three decades.

Chelsea’s leaky defence has contributed to this massive drop in form, with Wesley Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah struggling to keep opponents at bay.

While the English manager is not thought to be at risk of losing his job anytime soon, the club has already started making potential transfer plans ahead of another crucial summer window.

Interestingly, Pavlovic is one of several players on their radar, but luring him away from Milan might take a significant proposal.

The 24-year-old centre-back has developed into one of the finest defenders in Serie A under manager Massimiliano Allegri’s leadership.

Pavlovic has been a regular presence at the back for the Rossoneri, making 26 Serie A appearances so far.

The highly rated centre-back has bagged four goals, proving he can affect the game in the final third without compromising his primary defensive duties.

Pavlovic has helped Milan to keep nine clean sheets, while averaging 1.5 tackles and 3.4 clearances per match. He has also won a remarkable 62% of his ground duels this season.

Milan paid around €20 million to sign Pavlovic from RB Salzburg in 2024, and his development under Allegri has convinced the club that he’s worth keeping.

While reports claim Chelsea are considering a €40m move, Milan are also hoping to tie their prized asset to a new long-term deal.

They’re already in a strong position with two years left on Pavlovic’s current deal, but they’re working on a contract extension and a decent pay rise.