Chelsea knocked back in attempts to sign central defender – latest transfer reports | OneFootball

Chelsea have reportedly had a £50m bid rejected for Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni.

Gazzetta dello Sport claim the Blues have moved to sign the Italian defender but have been knocked back in their attempts.

It comes after Blues boss Enzo Maresca called on the club to sign another central defender this summer following a serious knee injury for Levi Colwill.

ESPN, meanwhile, say Xavi Simons has told RB Leipzig that he only wants a move to Chelsea this summer despite rival interest from Bayern Munich and Manchester City.

Chelsea are keen on signing the Netherlands attacking midfielder but the price tag remains a stumbling block, with Leipzig wanting a fee of around 80 million euros.

The report adds that the Blues are stepping up their interest and are willing to table a bid of 60 million euros.

They also maintain an interest in Alejandro Garnacho, according to various reports, with the Argentine winger seemingly having no future at Manchester United after being left out of the squad for their opening day defeat to Arsenal.

Chelsea have also reportedly rejected a loan offer from Bayern Munich for attacker Christopher Nkunku.

Elsewhere, Spurs remain in talks over a move for Crystal Palace attacking midfielder Ebere Eze, according to Sky Sports.

Eze played in Palace’s opening day draw with Chelsea, with boss Oliver Glasner saying after the game that he also expected him to feature on Thursday against Fredrikstad in the Conference League.

But Tottenham are hoping to conclude a deal before then, with Palace valuing Eze at around £70m.

Sky Sports claim the Eagles want to line up a replacement for Eze before allowing him to leave however.

Club Brugge forward Christos Tzolis and Leicester’s Bilal El Khannouss are said to be among their targets.

Nottingham Forest have completed the signing of striker Arnaud Kalimuendo from Rennes for a fee of around £25m.

Ben Doak is undergoing a medical with Bournemouth ahead of a £25m move to the Cherries from Liverpool, Sky Sports say.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has said he does not think Rico Lewis will be going anywhere this summer amid interest from Nottingham Forest.

And the Daily Mail say Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham are all targeting Brentford defender and captain Nathan Collins.