Chelsea Steal March On Arsenal After Opening Talks With Defender’s Agent

The opening of the summer transfer window is fast approaching so we’ll bring you all the latest transfer rumours and gossip from around the globe. Today, Chelsea are linked with Jeison Murillo…

Chelsea have stolen a march on Arsenal after opening talks with the agent of Inter Milan defender Jeison Murillo over a potential move to Stamford Bridge this summer, according to the Express.

Murillo only joined Inter in a £6m deal from Spanish outfit Granada last summer but he settled in Italy well having impressed during his 35 appearances in all competitions during his debut season at the San Siro.

His potential reportedly caught the attention of Arsenal with Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport claiming earlier this month that Arsene Wenger is showing a keen interest in the centre-back and was eyeing a £20m move this summer.

The Gunners boss is seemingly on the look-out for defensive reinforcements with a reliable partner for Laurent Koscielny needed as neither Per Mrtesacker or Gabriel have made the position their own, and Murillo appears to be on the Frenchman’s radar.

However, it looks like Arsenal will now face some stiff competition as the Express are now citing reports from Calcio Mercato that suggest Chelsea are the front-runners for his signature after opening talks with the defender’s agent over a possible move.

Incoming Blues boss Antonio Conte is set to take over at Stamford Bridge once he’d fulfilled his duties with the Italian squad at Euro 2016 but it looks like he’s already working on transfer deals ahead of his arrival in West London.

A long-term replacement for John Terry is likely to be on the agenda and it looks as though Conte has his eye on Murillo with the Express suggesting that despite further interest from Barcelona and Roma, Chelsea are the 24-year-old’s most likely destination if he leaves Inter.

The Serie A giants have financial problems as they have a £39m deficit to make up if they’re to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations so they may be forced to cash-in on the Colombian international this summer.

READ MORE –> Arsenal transfer news | Chelsea transfer news

We’ll have to wait and see whether Chelsea are able to get a deal agreed but until something is signed, there is still time for the likes of Arsenal to make their own move for Murillo – although any potential transfer will have to wait as the centre-back is currently away on international duty at the Copa America.