Inter Milan 'join race for Chelsea star' as they 'rival Man United and Bayern Munich' for £52.7m man's signature

Inter Milan have joined the race to sign a Chelsea star who joined the club for £52.7million, according to a report.

The Blues' full focus has been on the Club World Cup, having reached the final of the newly-revamped competition, where they will face Champions League winners PSG for the right to be crowned world champions. 

That hasn't stopped them being active in the transfer market, though. Joao Pedro and Liam Delap arrived for £60m and £30m respectively, while the likes of Jamie Gittens and Estevao have also joined.

Once again, though, they have been left with an inflated squad, and are expected to offload players when they have finished competing in the United States this summer.

One of the players to leave could well be Christopher Nkunku, who joined the Blues two years ago from RB Leipzig but has struggled for consistency at Stamford Bridge and failed to nail down a regular spot in the team.

Now, according to Gianluca Di Marzio, Inter Milan are the latest side to have offered the 27-year-out a route out of the club after registering their interest in his services. 

Manchester United are reportedly interested in securing the Frenchman's signature and the Blues appear ready to part with him, despite signing the 27-year-old on a six-year deal for a hefty fee just two years ago.

The Red Devils have already made contact with Nkunku, according to L'Equipe, while a swap deal with United outcast Alejandro Garnacho heading the other way has been touted.

BILD state that Bayern Munich are also in talks with Nkunku's agent Pini Zahavim, but little progress has been made thus far.

Inter are looking to rebuild their attack under new manager Cristian Chivu on the back of a tough campaign last year. They did reach the Champions League final, but were humbled by PSG and Simone Inzaghi departed for Al-Hilal. 

Speaking after Chelsea's final Club World Cup group game, a 3-0 win over ES Tunis, meanwhile, Blues manager Maresca failed to offer any guarantees over Nkunku's future, revealing 'anything can happen' in the window.

The Italian boss said: 'If Christo [Nkunku] is here with us, it is because we think he can help us and he can be with us even next season. But as you said, there are many speculations, not just about Christo, about many players.

'And then if something is going to happen, I don't know because we said many times when the transfer window is open, anything can happen in terms of players that can arrive or players that can leave.'