Chelsea face stiff competition from Saudi Arabia for centre-back target

Chelsea could rival a sizeable offer from Saudi Arabia to sign Feyenoord defender David Hancko this summer, a report has revealed.

The 27-year-old has blossomed during his time in Rotterdam, rising to prominence under the tutelage of Liverpool manager Arne Slot. He's garnered plenty of attention from Europe's giants as a result, with Atletico Madrid having come closest to signing him previously.

The versatile centre-back, who is also capable of playing at left-back, has continued at Feyenoord this term but appears increasingly likely to depart the club for a significant fee when the campaign is done and dusted.

Atletico remain interested in the defender, while one unnamed German club recently scouted Hancko. However, Europe's intrigued parties will have to compete with the riches of the Middle East.

The report states that Al Nassr want to sign him and are preparing an offer that amounts to more than the club-record fee Feyenoord received for Santiago Gimenez in the winter window. Milan signed the Mexican striker for €32m, meaning Chelsea or West Ham might have to match or surpass a Saudi offer of over £27m for Hancko's services.

Chelsea already have an abundance of central defensive options at their disposal but are expected to strengthen there over the summer. Hancko's ability to play left-back also makes him an interesting asset, with the Blues short in that department.

West Ham, meanwhile, must make drastic improvements across the pitch but definitely at centre-back. Their defensive record has been hugely disappointing this season and Graham Potter will demand reinforcements during his first summer transfer window with the club.

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