Chelsea chase Giorgio Scalvini for £42m as Welbeck signs, Spurs watch

Chelsea have opened talks to sign Italy defender Giorgio Scalvini from Atalanta, with the Serie A club reportedly demanding at least £42m, after completing the signing of former England international Danny Welbeck from Brighton on Saturday. The move was confirmed by the Blues under new boss Xabi Alonso, with a Picture credit to Reuters.

Welbeck, who previously played for Manchester United and Arsenal, signed a two‑year contract at Stamford Bridge, becoming Chelsea’s fourth summer signing after Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa, Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace and Marco Palestra from Atalanta. The Blues highlighted his England pedigree and his 13‑goal Premier League season.

Scalvini, 22, has made over 100 appearances for Atalanta and helped the Serie A side win the Europa League in 2024. Atalanta set a £42m price tag, and Chelsea’s pursuit comes as Tottenham and Newcastle United also express interest.

Tottenham’s interest is linked to the impending £34m departure of Argentina international Cristian Romero to Inter, prompting the Spurs to watch the Scalvini saga closely.

Chelsea now have ten central defenders on their books after Lacroix’s arrival, and Alonso is prepared to offload at least five. Other defenders linked with moves include Trevoh Chalobah to Cesc Fabregas’ Como, Axel Disasi to Italy and Benoit Badiashile, who has accepted his Chelsea career is over.

Welbeck said, “When you hear of interest from Chelsea, it is something that fills you with such immense pride… I’ve got that fire in my belly. I’m ready to give everything for this club to make everyone at Chelsea, and the supporters, proud.”

If the Scalvini deal materialises, Chelsea would add a Premier League‑ready centre‑back to bolster a defence that has already seen significant turnover, while the 22‑year‑old would secure a step up to the English top flight, a move he believes is timely for his career.

Alonso’s preseason schedule includes friendlies against Juventus, AC Milan and Johor Darul Ta'zim before the Premier League opener, underscoring the club’s preparation for the upcoming campaign.