Denzel Dumfries has opened up on reports linking him with a transfer to Chelsea. The Netherlands defender described the links as a “compliment” but said he is “focused on nothing else but the national team and Inter Milan”.
Todd Boehly spent close to £300million over the summer transfer window on seven new players including defensive recruits in Kalidou Koulibaly, Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana. Reece James is one of the Blues' key players and is expected to return to action following the World Cup.
James suffered a knee injury after a coming together with Theo Hernandez during Chelsea's Champions League clash against AC Milan back in October. The Blues have had to rely on Cesar Azpilicueta and Ruben Loftus-Cheek to cover for James since they do not have a capable, ready-made replacement in Graham Potter's squad.
READ MORE: Graham Potter handed Ben Chilwell and Reece James Chelsea injury boost before World Cup test
Dumfries has impressed for club and country so far this season, with his latest performance at the World Cup seeing him notch two assists and a goal to help the Netherlands progress into the quarter-finals. Dumfries assisted Memphis Depay's opener and Daley Blind's strike in the first half, before popping up at the back post in the second half to add a third in the 81st minute after Haji Wright grabbed a goal for the USA.
Speaking after his Man of the Match performance, Dumfries said: “Of course it’s a big compliment to be linked with Chelsea, but playing for Inter it’s big compliment too. Chelsea move in January? I’m focused on nothing else but national team and Inter.”
Dumfries' performance saw him receive a kiss from his manager Louis van Gaal after he impressed once again at the World Cup. Chelsea may now look to reignite their interest in the 26-year-old as they look to strengthen in January, but they'll need to convince the Dutch defender that they're the right club for him to develop at with him not expected to start ahead of James if he joined.
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