Report: Chelsea now want to sign two of Antonio Conte’s top Tottenham targets

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Chelsea now want to sign Tottenham defensive targets Josko Gvardiol and Pau Torres when the transfer window opens.

The Telegraph report that the Blues have drawn up an extensive list of central defenders they want to revamp Thomas Tuchel’s backline.

RB Leipzig defender Gvardiol features, and as a left-footer, he is seen as someone who could come in and take the spot vacated by Antonio Rudiger’s decision to join Real Madrid on a free transfer.

Torres is another defender admired at Stamford Bridge, with the futures of Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen leaving Tuchel needing reinforcements.

Chelsea want Gvardiol and Torres

Their report reads: “Chelsea have drawn up an eight-man list of defenders in a bid to move as quickly as possible to solve the club’s centre-back crisis once the Todd Boehly-led takeover goes through.

“RB Leipzig’s Gvardiol is a left-footed central defender and would help make up for the loss of Real Madrid-bound Antonio Rudiger.

“The 20-year-old is rated as one of Europe’s top defensive talents and can also fill in at left-back.

“With Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur also in the market for central defenders, Chelsea could face competition for Gvardiol and some of the other names on their list of potential targets such as Villarreal’s Pau Torres.”

Last month, it was reported that Spurs could make a big-money offer for Gvardiol, although history suggests Chelsea are more likely to do that.

The end of the Roman Abramovich era brings questions, and Daniel Levy may well back Antonio Conte but time will tell how that one plays out.

Earlier this month, the prospect of Spurs offering Giovani Lo Celso – who is currently on loan with Torres at Villarreal – plus cash for the Spain defender was mooted.

Beating Chelsea’s new regime in transfer battle would be a signal of intent for Spurs, and perhaps Conte will have a more streamlined idea of who the centre-half he really wants is.