Transfer Talk: Chelsea target Buongiorno to help banish injury Blues

Alessandro Buongiorno has kept Torino ticking this season.

Chelsea are said to be considering a move for his services next month as they attempt to fill the void left by the serious knee injury suffered by Wesley Fofana.

Available for a reported £34million, Buongiorno is an intriguing proposition for Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino.

With Poch's side tackling Luton this afternoon, we analyse what the Italy international could bring to Stamford Bridge.

January moves

Pochettino has already hinted at the possibility of bringing in reinforcements during the winter transfer window.

And with a litany of defensive injuries, including to club captain Reece James, Chelsea could well be forced to dip into the market.

He said: "The sporting director and us, we are always talking and assessing — if we need to do something, we'll be ready.

"The pressure is always to bring young talent. We have different types of targets with experience, without experience, some younger than others and that's what it takes to provide the team with what it needs.

"We need to be open to describing the situation. Always communication is really good with the owners, we're sharing everything.

"It's about sharing ideas, we need each other to express our vision in a way that's a positive statement for the club.

"If we need to add, we do it together in a way that takes the best decision for the club."

Busy at the back

Buongiorno, 24, has starred in one of Italy's better defences this season.

The Turin native has also been effective in attack, bagging two goals — including a winner against Lecce.

These impressive statistics have earned Buongiorno plenty of admirers around Europe, as well as within the national team set-up.

Most recently, he featured in Italy's goalless draw with Ukraine and helped the Azzurri secure a spot at next summer's European Championship.

Convincing Torino

It may be hard to get Torino president Urbano Cairo, 66, to sanction a move, though.

The Bulls looked to be competing for continental football before a recent slump and losing Buongiorno would severely dent their chances of getting back into the hunt.

Cairo said: "He [Buongiorno] told me he was happy to stay.

"There's an agreement between us. Therefore, I'm not thinking about selling him."

However, both Torino and Buongiorno may struggle to resist the allure of a sizeable offer from the Blues.