Chelsea Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Pepe and Andrea Pinamonti

Real Madrid defender and reported Chelsea transfer target Pepe has yet to make a decision on his future, while the Blues are said to be keeping tack of promising Inter Milan youngster Andrea Pinamonti.

According to AS (h/t Calciomercato), Pepe still hasn't decided whether he will continue his career with Los Blancos, choosing not to sign a contract extension at this time.

The 33-year-old is set to become a free agent at the end of this season, and with Raphael Varane taking on a bigger role at the club, concerns regarding his playing time could lead to a departure, per the report.

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Varane started both the Clasico against Barcelona and UEFA Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund alongside Sergio Ramos, an indication the Frenchman is now manager Zinedine Zidane's preferred option in defence.

Pepe was among the world's best defenders last season, playing a key role in Real's Champions League triumph and Portugal's UEFA Euro 2016 run. Here's a look at some of his highlights:

He's been a consistent force for Real since joining the club in 2007, but his contract extension has taken a lot of time. Previously, it was believed Los Blancos weren't too keen on a new deal, with Varane waiting in the wings, and it now seems Pepe might have his doubts.

He's been linked with both Chelsea and Manchester United, who are now coached by former Real boss Jose Mourinho. Per the report, he also has offers from the Chinese league, which has made a habit of giving players from Europe's top leagues massive wages to boost their clubs in recent years.

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United in particular have a real need for another star defender to pair with Eric Bailly while Chelsea can never have too many able bodies to suit the 3-4-3 formation. Depth is key for manager Antonio Conte, who has plenty of young talent at his disposal but could use a veteran option for the short term.

Pepe is still expected to sign a new deal with Real, but the fact it's taking this long is a good sign for interested clubs. They can open negotiations with the player in January and sign him to a pre-contract if he decides to try his luck somewhere else.

Meanwhile, Il Corriere dello Sport (h/t Calciomercato) reports Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal are all scouting Inter starlet Pinamonti, a 17-year-old forward who made his UEFA Europa League debut on Thursday against Sparta Prague.

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The teenager is regarded as one of Italy's top young talents in his age group and Inter's best young prospect. Here are some of his highlights:

Pinamonti has yet to sign a professional contract, and he's expected to do so as soon as he turns 18. That leaves his suitors from the Premier League with plenty of time to poach him from Inter, however.

The Nerazzurri have fallen on hard times the last couple of years, and while their new ownership is reason for optimism, their lack of recent success and Juventus' Serie A dominance could make a foreign adventure more appealing.

Fortunately for Inter, Pinamonti is a fan of the club, as shared by Squawka Football:

The youngster won't turn 18 until May, so there's plenty of time left for Inter to work out a deal. If things go south under new manager Stefano Pioli, however, expect the Blues and his other suitors to increase their attention and perhaps make an approach.