Chelsea have Bologna winger Jonathan Rowe on their list of transfer targets and have contacted his representatives, according to reports in Italy.
London-born Rowe has taken a unique career path so far after coming through the Norwich City academy and making his professional debut with the Canaries in 2021.
The England Under-21 international moved to Marseille, initially on loan, in 2024 but left the French club in disgrace last year.
After a violent fight with teammate Adrien Rabiot, both the Englishman and the France international were sold, with Rowe going to Bologna and Rabiot to AC Milan.
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The 23-year-old had a good first campaign with the Serie A side, playing 43 times in all competitions and scoring eight goals.
His performances have been good enough to catch the attention of Chelsea, who have the winger on their radar.
Italian publication Il Resto del Carlino report that there has been contact between the Blues and Rowe’s agent, although no offer has been made.
Bologna do not wish to sell him, but after spending just £16.8 million on him last year, a huge offer representing significant profit would be hard to turn down.
Chelsea is not the only interested party, with the Italian outlet crediting Aston Villa, Galatasaray and Fenerbahce with interest in Rowe.
The Italian report suggests Rowe would be keen for a crack at the Premier League, having only experienced it briefly with Norwich right at the start of his career.
The Blues are looking at targets out wide as Alejandro Garnacho is available for transfer this summer following a disappointing first campaign since joining from Manchester United.
Roma has been touted as a possible destination for the Argentina international but Chelsea want over £40m for his signature.
Rowe would be something of a controversial replacement for Garnacho after his time at Marseille came to a shocking end.
Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi was in charge of Marseille at the time and was shocked by the violence involved.
‘What happens if, at your workplace, two people, two employees, two workers, two lawyers, get into a fight?’ said the Italian.
‘It was a bar fight, in front of the sporting director, in front of the coach, with a team-mate on the ground.
‘It’s true that no teeth were broken during the fight, but it was a fight like I’ve never seen in all my years in football.
‘For the first time in my career, I didn’t know what to say or what to do. I’ve never seen anything like it. I come from the streets, I’m used to fights, but I’ve never seen anything like this.
‘The club’s bodyguards were trying to separate them. Normally they’re supposed to protect us from others, not from ourselves.’