Chelsea could make a move for Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo, according to Calciomercato.com.

The Italian website says that the Blues and Manchester United have been scouting Napoli due to Victor Osimhen but Di Lorenzo may also end up “in the crosshairs”.

Although the right-back has been one of the Serie A champions’ most consistent players over the past couple of seasons, there has been some discontent about his recent performances.

Di Lorenzo only signed a new five-year contract with Napoli back in August, but his agent has spoken out recently to say that the player’s circumstances could change between now and June.

Calciomercato claim that a transfer in January is not on the cards but a departure to the Premier League or Saudi Arabia at the end of the season can’t be completely ruled out.

Why would Chelsea be interested in Di Lorenzo?

It would be a surprise if Mauricio Pochettino’s side are seriously interested in the Italian international. There is no doubt that he is a good fullback but there are a couple of reasons why a transfer doesn’t seem likely.

Firstly, Di Lorenzo is the wrong side of 30 and, since Todd Boehly’s arrival, Chelsea have focused on signing players 25 or under. Secondly, and more importantly, the Blues are not short of options on the right-hand side of defence. Captain Reece James may be injured but both Malo Gusto and Axel Disasi can provide cover.

Di Lorenzo would add experience

With the exception of Thiago Silva, Chelsea’s first-team squad isn’t exactly full of experienced players and that could be one possible reason why they may consider pursuing someone like Di Lorenzo.

The defender has made over 200 appearances for Napoli, as well as being capped 32 times by Italy. Even so, his arrival at Stamford Bridge would mark a U-turn in the London club’s transfer policy.