Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea have each been hand a major blow in their efforts to sign Milan Skriniar this summer, with the Inter Milan defender stepping closer to joining Paris Saint-Germain. The 27-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away from the San Siro, and the Premier League duo said to be among several club interested in the defender's services.
Skriniar, who sees his contract in Italy expire next year, featured 35 times for Simone Inzaghi's side in the Serie A this season, helping the Nerazzurri retain the second-best defensive record in the league. He has become one of Europe's most coveted centre-backs in recent years, with his impressive displays, once again, rallying a wealth of interest.
According to the Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, PSG have already submitted a €50million (£42.7m) bid for the defender, which was swiftly rejected. Chelsea and Spurs, who are each believed to be keen in challenging the French giants for the Slovakian's signature, are yet to have tabled official offers of their own.
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It's believed that PSG have essentially tested the waters for Thomas Tuchel and Antonio Conte, with Inter revealing Skriniar's asking price. According to reports, the Italian giants initially demanded at least €70million (£59.8million) for the defender's signature.
However, La Gazzetta dello Sport have since outlined that due to Skriniar's contract situation, his value will gradually diminish until January, when clubs will be eligible to engage in pre-contract talks. And, Inter would now reportedly accept €60million (£51.7million) for the defender. Though, of course, with Chelsea and PSG locking horns, it's likely that a bidding war will commence.
The Parisians, though, are expected to up their bid for Skriniar in the coming weeks after agreeing personal terms with the defender while negotiations over a fee continue, according to Tuttomercato, via Football Italia. With PSG one step ahead of Chelsea and Tottenham, it could be now or never should the London rivals wish to sign the Slovakian.
Todd Boehly's consortium, who agreed a £4.25billion deal to buy the west London club last month, are expected to 'push for A-list signings' to mark a new era at Stamford Bridge, according to the MailOnline. And, with the new ownership group eager to bolster the Blues armoury, The Telegraph indicate that, after player sales are taken into account, Tuchel is set to have £200million at his disposal to strengthen his side.
Meanwhile in north London, Spurs have been handed a major boost, with Conte keen to build upon an exciting debut campaign in charge. Owners ENIC have pumped a £150m cash injection into the north London outfit as they look to challenge under the Italian next season.
