Chelsea' want Inter Milan to include Nicolo Barella in a swap deal' that would see Romelu Lukaku join the club permanently.
Lukaku joined Chelsea from Inter for £97.5 million in 2021, but returned to the San Siro on loan year later after a turbulent campaign.
He scored 14 goals for Simone Inzaghi's side last season, and the Nerazzurri are keen to keep him for another year.
The Blues, who are looking to reduce their wage bill but may need midfield reinforcements with Mason Mount and Kai Havertz both likely to leave the club, have identified one of Inter's key players as a target.
According to reports in Corriere dello Sport, they have asked for Barella to be included in a deal for Lukaku, who is thought to be keen on staying in Milan.
It remains to be seen whether they will be able to complete the deal, though, as Inter are keen for Lukaku to pen another loan deal rather than a permanent move.
Barella was a key player for Inzaghi last season. The Italy international scored nine goals across all competitions in 52 games as he won the Coppa Italia and reached the Champions League final.
He could be an excellent addition for incoming Chelsea boss Maurico Pochettino, although there may be more pressing signings to make.
Despite spending more than £600m on 18 players across the summer and winter transfer windows, they finished in the bottom-half for the first time since the 1995-96 campaign.
However, they are keen to invest heavily again as the former Tottenham manager looks to rebuild the club.
Chelsea are in need of a number nine, and while Kylian Mbappe could be available after his fallout with PSG, the West London club are unlikely to move for him given his price tag is expected to be more than £150m, while he also reportedly earns £893,000-per-week.
There was talk of Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic joining the club, while they are also close to signing Villarreal forward Nicolas Jackson.
