CHELSEA are tracking the highly rated Torino and Italy defender Alessandro Buongiorno.
Buongiorno has been one of the best defenders in Serie A this season and is attracting interest from across Europe.
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The Blues’ scouting department have been tracking his games in recent weeks, and plan to continue watching him play over the festive period.
Buongiorno has started in 14 games since the beginning of the season – 12 in Serie A and two in the Italian Cup, registering two goals and making one assist.
The defender is also attracting interest from Juventus, Inter Milan and Roma, with Jose Mourinho publicly praising him two weeks ago.
Torino have already received an offer from one of Italy’s big teams two weeks ago of £21.5million but rejected it in the belief they could get more from a Prem side.
The club are holding out for a figure of £35m.
Buongiorno currently has a contract running until 2028 so they are under no pressure to sell.
His vital presence to the Torino defence was best demonstrated in November when he was sidelined for two weeks and Torino lost all three games in his absence.
Chelsea value Buongiorno’s versatility and competence on the ball.
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He’s also one of the most aggressive tacklers in Serie A, averaging seven a game – the third highest in the league.
Despite his penchant for tackling, he has received just one yellow card this term.
Torino are currently 10th in the table, four points off qualifying for a Europa Conference League spot.
The club are bracing themselves for several offers in January with many clubs looking to strengthen their defence this winter.
Luciano Spaletti is a huge fan of the defender and played him in their crucial Euros qualifier against Ukraine.
He’s expected to retain that spot in the actual tournament should his form remain in tact.