Reports in Italy claim Chelsea are prepared to pay £21million upfront to sign Hellas Verona star Marash Kumbulla.

Kumbulla is a rising star in Serie A, only turned 20 in February and is a top target of Antonio Conte’s Inter Milan.

However, Italian publication L’Arena claim Chelsea are keen to beat their former manager to the signing and have indicated they will pay a significant sum for the young centre-back.

Frank Lampard wants to continue altering his Chelsea squad and is targeting the addition of fledgling talent, as well as established stars.

Ajax star Hakim Ziyech became Lampard’s first major signing and Chelsea are working on a way to make sure Kumbulla joins the attacking midfielder at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea are willing to pay the transfer fee upfront, which could set them apart from Inter despite the fact the Italian club has already held extensive talks with the player and Hellas, report the Metro.

The Blues are set to back their manager in the coming summer window after a transfer ban and Lampard is plotting a big summer window.

But the Chelsea boss’ plans might be derailed by the coronavirus pandemic which has forced football to go into shutdown.

The Premier League has extended the 2019/2020 season indefinitely and talks are underway about what to do with the summer transfer window.

Photo Credit: Twitter @ HellasVeronaFC