Chelsea transfer news: Alessio Romagnoli 'not for sale' as AC Milan reject second Blues bid for centre-back

"The player is not for sale, therefore this negotiation will not continue. The club wants to thank Chelsea FC with whom we will continue to have a great working relationship," AC Milan said

The Italian press has already compared the young prospect to a number of AC Milan's former greats, including Alessandro Nesta and Thiago Silva (Getty)

Chelsea have had an increased offer for centre-back Alessio Romagnoli rejected by AC Milan.

Milan issued an official statement remarking that they had declined a "significant" offer made by the London side. Reports suggest the figure was worth £34m.

The Blues have been actively looking to reinforce their defensive options this summer and Antonio Conte has stressed the need for a new defender at the club after his side won 2-1 at Watford on Saturday.

"If you look now at our squad, we have only five defenders - four that started today and an academy player Ola Aina," said Conte.

"Ola is very good - he has great potential - but with any young player you must work to put them in the first team. Sure, he has a good future.

"If one defender is injured or banned, then we are in trouble, but the club and me we know this and we are talking every day to improve the squad.”

Romagnoli joined Milan for £21m last summer and has since made 34 starts for the side.

His performances have garnered him broad praise and the Italian has already been compared to a number of the club’s former great defenders, including Alessandro Nesta and Thiago Silva.

Speaking on their website, the club said: "AC Milan has received a significant offer for its player Alessio Romagnoli from Chelsea FC.

"The player is not for sale, therefore this negotiation will not continue. The club wants to thank Chelsea FC with whom we will continue to have a great working relationship."

Milan’s rejection marks the latest transfer setback for Chelsea after the west London club finally gave up in their bid to sign Kalidou Koulibaly on Monday having been outpriced.

Chelsea had also attempted to make a move for centre-back Leonardo Bonucci but were told by Juventus that the Italian was not for sale.

Having already signed striker Michy Batshuayi, N’Golo Kante and Eduardo, Conte is allegedly hoping to add a further three players to his squad by the close of the August transfer window,