A new defender for Chelsea? Blues scout Bologna centre-back Sam Beukema amid Inter, Juventus & Atletico Madrid interest

According to Gianluca DiMarzio, Chelsea scouts watched the Dutchman during Bologna's 2-1 win over AC Milan on Thursday. But if the Blues want to sign the 26-year-old, they are said to face competition from Inter Milan, Juventus, and Atletico Madrid, too.

Chelsea have not had a settled defence this season, with Axel Disasi loaned out to Aston Villa, Trevoh Chalobah recalled from his Crystal Palace loan spell. Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile have been out injured. And if they are looking at Beukema, it may illustrate that head coach Enzo Maresca is not entirely happy with his defensive options.

Beukema joined Bologna from AZ Alkmaar in 2023 and since then, he has scored two goals and made 62 appearances for the Italian club.

It remains to be seen if Chelsea will move for Beukema, whose contract runs until the summer of 2027, at the end of the season.