Denzel Dumfries promises to be one of the players to watch out for in 2023 with a host of clubs interested in signing the 26-year-old. He impressed at the World Cup for Netherlands, getting a goal and an assist against USA in their last-16 tie, but was already a popular player before that.
As an attacking right-back who can also play at right midfield and can also fill in as a centre-back, Dumfries offers an experienced European player with versatility and a lot of desirable qualities for modern coaches. His speed in both defence and attack have drawn Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham to monitor him.
He only joined Inter Milan in 2021 and has until 2025 left on his current deal, but that isn't making it a complicated transfer to complete. Chelsea were keen on securing his services last summer but fell short of matching his £40million valuation from Inter Milan.
READ MORE: Declan Rice, Denzel Dumfries - Five stars tipped to sign for Chelsea in January transfer window
With two other major London clubs in for him too, football.london takes a look at the latest with regards to his possible departure from the San Siro.
Chelsea submit bid
Chelsea have made a €35 million (£30.8m) offer for Inter Milan defender Denzel Dumfries, according to reports in Italy.
According to Italian newspaper La Repubblica, Todd Boehly has submitted a £30.8m bid for Dumfries. However, it's expected that Inter are hoping for an increased offer in the future, with the report insisting the 19-time Italian champions will demand at least €55m (£48.4m).
Man United join race
Chelsea and Tottenham have been dealt a transfer blow in their pursuit of Inter Milan star Denzel Dumfries
Italian publication Tuttomercato have stated that Chelsea and Tottenham could be beaten to Dumfries' signature by Premier League rivals Manchester United. The report claims that Erik ten Hag's side have entered talks with Inter over a move for the 26-year-old defender who is available for only £35million.
Inter's January stance
Chelsea and Tottenham have now been told what it will take to secure the transfer of Denzel Dumfries from Inter in January.
Fabrizio Romano wrote in his Caught Offside column: “Big money or nothing, this is their stance – and the absolute priority is to keep Dumfries at least until the end of the season."
Arsenal swap deal answered
Arsenal joined the Dumfries transfer battle recently with a shock swap deal involving Takehiro Tomiyasu proposed to Inter who have now given their answer of that proposal.
The Gunners were prepared to pay the asking price of €40million (£34.5million) and send Tomiyasu back to Serie A for Dumfries but have been told by Fabrizio Romano it would not be accepted by Inter: “Inter Milan are not looking for swap deals for Denzel Dumfries, as things stand,” Romano wrote in his Caught Offside column.
What his agent said
In a strange admission, Dumfries' agent Rafaela Pimenta has admitted that his client could be priced out of a move next year, saying: "I hope his value doesn’t increase — otherwise it will be difficult to transfer him."
Having already missed out on a deal due to valuation differences, his World Cup would normally result in millions being added to the price tag, but due to Inter Milan's financial situation, they may be forced to sell him regardless. Italian publication Corriere dello Sport report that the 2020/21 champions could be forced to let him go as soon as January, and London's teams may be amongst those that wish to take advantage.
Arsenal stance
The Gunners have entered the fold later than Chelsea and Tottenham, but could jump the queue with a crafty piece of business involving Takehiro Tomiyasu.
The Japanese star has lost out on his right-back spot to Ben White this season but has also had injury issues, with Mikel Arteta looking to secure extra depth in defence, Dumfries is a name they are now looking at, but it could cost them Tomiyasu in return.
According to CMW, Arsenal would be prepared to pay Dumfries' cost and send their own 24-year-old back to Italy to sweeten the deal.
Chelsea opinion
The Blues appeared to be at the front of the line for Dumfries having held talks for him already, but the player was coy on his future when speaking in Qatar.
After starring in the victory over USA, he 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.”
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