Chelsea are reportedly interested in Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella, despite the Italian giants being reluctant to let him leave San Siro.
The 24-year-old joined Inter in 2019 from Cagliari and has gone on to make 80 appearances, scoring seven goals and providing 18 assists for his current club.
Barella has been the subject of interest for many top European clubs, with Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid joining Chelsea in keeping an eye on his availability.
ESPN reports that Inter Milan are keen on retaining the playmaker and are expected to offer him a new contract with a significant pay rise.
The Italy international has helped Inter go 11 points clear at the top of Serie A, putting the Nerazzurri on course for their first league title since 2010.
Barella still has three years left on his current contract, and has 10 assists in 39 appearances for Antonio Conte's side this season.