Attila Szalai has been linked with Napoli, Milan and Chelsea, but Fenerbache want at least €20m for their versatile defender.
The 23-year-old is under contract with Fenerbache until June 2025 and Hungary boss Marco Rossi revealed at the beginning of December that the defender was close to joining Chelsea.
Rossi thought Szalai could have been a good signing for Serie A clubs but suggested the Blues were in pole position to secure his signature.
“Clearly, he has been followed by important clubs in Spain, but apparently his move to Chelsea is a done deal,” Rossi said.
“It would be a great player also for Italian football.”
Chelsea do not have a deal agreed to sign Attila Szalai in January or the summer – despite what the Hungarian coach might think. Told he's not currently a player of interest to #cfc
— Matt Law (@Matt_Law_DT) December 7, 2021
However, multiple sources in the UK have denied that Chelsea have an agreement in place to sign Szalai.
‘It’s a done deal’ Rossi’ reveals Szalai’s imminent Chelsea move
Meantime, Italian media continue to link the 23-year-old with a move to Serie A.
Napoli are reportedly among the clubs interested, but the Partenopei are unwilling to match Fenerbache’s €20m asking price.
Luciano Spalletti’s side need a replacement for Kostas Manolas but are only open to loan deals with option or obligation to buy.
At the same time, Milan have a tiny transfer budget for January and according to Tuttosport, they are not totally convinced by the 23-year-old.
Lille’s Sven Botman and PSG’s Abdou Diallo are the main transfer targets for the Rossoneri, who need to replace the injured Simon Kjaer.
Tuttosport – Milan, il nome di Szalai non convince più di tanto i rossoneri https://t.co/vi0rSTSjI1
— MilanNews.it (@MilanNewsit) December 29, 2021
Tiny budget for a giant club. What a joke.