KEY POINTS

  • Lindelof was also a reported target for Real Madrid and Barcelona.
  • Chelsea have identified the Swedish defender as alternative to Bonucci and Koulibaly.

Chelsea are considering a move in signing Benfica defender Victor Lindelof in the summer transfer window. The 22-year-old made an impact at the Portuguese club's first team this year and his performance saw him make his international debut for Sweden.

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He was even included in the Sweden squad for Euro 2016 and started all of their three matches as they crashed out in the group stages of the tournament. According to the Portuguese publication Record [via The Sun], Antonio Conte is keen on bringing the Benfica man to Stamford Bridge.

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Lindelof's agent has informed Benfica president Luis Filipe Vieira of his client's desire to leave the club this summer, despite having four years left on his current deal at Estadio da Luz. He has a €30m (£25m, $33.1m) release clause in his contract and the west London club are ready to meet his asking price.

According to the Mirror, Chelsea have identified Benfica defender as an alternative to Juventus star Leonardo Bonucci and Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly. The duo have been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this summer, but no deal has taken shape.

Conte's side are facing competition from league rivals Manchester City for the Italian international. The Citizens's manager Pep Guardiola is keen on securing the services of Bonucci to bolster his back four for the 2016/17 season.

In Koulibaly's pursuit, Chelsea are facing a tough competition from Ronald Koeman's Everton and Bundesliga winner Bayern Munich. The situation has forced them to look elsewhere in the market.

Victor Lindelof
Victor Lindelof started all three matches for Sweden in Euro 2016 Getty

Meanwhile, Lindelof was training with Benfica at St George's Park as they faced Derby County and Sheffield Wednesday in the pre-season fixtures. Spanish publication AS earlier reported, Champions League winners Real Madrid, their league rivals Barcelona, Manchester United, City, Bayern and Juventus are also interested in the player.

He is a versatile defender and can play in the central defending position and also as a right-back. The Swedish international's addition to Chelsea's squad will see Conte cover both the centre-back and right-back positions. Conte has the services of John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic as the two first choice players in those two positions and Lindelof could be the back-up player for the star duo.

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