KEY POINTS

  • Marcelo Brozovic joined Inter Milan on an 18-month loan deal in January 2015.
  • Former Bolton and Sunderland defender Marcos Alonso is also close to PL return with Chelsea.

Chelsea are a step closer to completing their fourth signing of the summer after Inter Milan accepted their offer for the transfer of midfielder Marcelo Brozovic as Antonio Conte looks to add more aggression to his midfield.

According to Goal.com, the Serie A giants have accepted the Stamford Bridge outfit's €25m (£21.3m, $27.3m), but the Premier League club are yet to agree personal terms. Talks are said to be ongoing and the club and the midfielder are expected to agree terms before the close of the summer transfer window on Wednesday (31 August).

The 23-year-old midfielder, who can play as an attacking or a deep lying midfielder, is also comfortable on the wings. Brozovic, who was on an 18-month loan spell from former club Dinamo Zagreb, was only confirmed a permanent member of the Italian club this summer. He made 35 appearances in all competitions for Inter last season, scoring seven goals and providing five assists.

The Croatia international is reportedly demanding an increase in wages as part of his move to the English top-flight and has made clear his intentions to both the clubs. Inter are under pressure to sell as they are keen to recoup some of the funds they laid out to sign Joao Mario and Gabriel Barbosa earlier this month. The Italian club are keen to avoid breaching Financial Fair Play Rules.

Marcelo Brozovic
Marcelo Brozovic completed his permanent transfer to Inter Milan just this summer after a successful 18-month loan from Dinamo Zagreb Getty

Brozovic's potential arrival will further put Cesc Fabregas' future at Chelsea in doubt, but the midfielder has made it clear that he will not look for a way out of Stamford Bridge this summer. The Spaniard has failed to start in any of the games under Conte so far in the Premier League, but the Italian manager has confirmed that the midfielder remains part of his plans for the ongoing campaign.

Conte is also keen to bolster his defence and according to the Daily Mail, they are close to securing the signing of former Bolton Wanderers and Sunderland defender Marcos Alonso from Fiorentina. The Blues are expected to fork out around £23m plus add-ons to secure the defender's signature before the close of the transfer window.