Tottenham, Blues and Man Utd face competition for Serie A wonderkid valued at €40m

AC Milan have reportedly joined the race to sign Lecce star Patrick Dorgu but face competition from a number of Premier League sides.

Dorgu had a standout season for the Serie A team in 2023/24, and this sparked interest from several teams across Europe.

The left-back, who can also play as a wing-back, was wanted by Napoli this summer, but Luca Gotti’s side managed to hold on to the 19-year-old.

Now Italian publication Tuttomercatoweb claims that Milan have been credited with interest in Dorgu, alongside Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester United and Liverpool.

Lecce have him under contract until 2027, but if he continues to impress for both club and country this season, it could be difficult to keep him – especially if a sizeable offer comes in.

DON’T MISS: Chelsea ‘really like’ Benfica star Crystal Palace left out as Fabrizio Romano reveals transfer plans

A rapid rise

Dorgu, son of Nigerian parents but raised in Copenhagen, played for FC Nordsjaelland’s academy in 2021 before moving to Lecce at under-19 level.

He was quickly catapulted into the Italian side’s first team and has since made 41 appearances, scored three goals and managed one assist in all competitions.

Now, he is reportedly valued at more than €40m (£33.8m, $44.6m), with TEAMtalk previously revealing that Chelsea could make a move for him in January.

While Blues boss Enzo Maresca has been full of praise for first-choice left-back Marc Cucurella of late, he admitted that Ben Chilwell is not in his long-term plans.

Therefore, having a younger, quality option to compete with Cucurella would be something that coach Maresca could support.

However, it is likely they will still need to turn to the England international first before they can find his replacement.

READ MORE: Man Utd plans small revolution by targeting Championship star to replace Ten Hag signing

Chelsea interested in transfer in January

After trying and failing to secure Chilwell’s departure in the summer, either on loan or permanently, the Blues are looking to hold an auction in January for the left-back.

The 27-year-old has barely played this season and does not fit the profile of the player Maresca wants in his team – who are doing well and are fourth in the Premier League.

Elsewhere, Barcelona winger Raphinha has reportedly rejected the chance to move to Stamford Bridge this summer, along with Saudi Pro League teams too.

The winger almost joined the Blues in 2022 from Leeds United, before finally securing his dream move to the Catalan side. Now that he is Barça’s captain, a move to Chelsea would have been even less attractive.

Finally, Chelsea have not given up hope of signing Napoli striker Victor Osimhen and intend to sign him for a reduced price. The west London side missed out on their signing this summer, with the Nigerian international heading to Galatasaray on loan. But, this transfer saga may not be done and put to rest yet.