Manchester United have re-emerged as serious contenders to sign Bologna centre-back Jhon Lucumi this summer transfer window.
According to Quotidiano Sport, United are now back in the picture alongside Chelsea as suitors for the 28-year-old Colombian international.
Lucumi has entered the final year of his contract at Bologna, and a departure from the Italian club is widely expected before the window closes.
Juventus have already tested Bologna’s resolve with a bid, but their £15.4 million offer including add-ons was turned down by the Serie A club.
Bologna are holding firm in their valuation, demanding £21.4 million upfront with a further £2.6 million in add-ons, totalling £24 million overall.
Como had previously been interested in signing Lucumi, but the defender turned down the opportunity to join the newly promoted side.
United’s need for defensive cover has been heightened after Lisandro Martinez suffered another injury during the World Cup final for Argentina against Spain last month.
Martinez is expected to return to training before the new Premier League season gets underway, but his persistent injury record leaves United vulnerable at left centre-back.
Ayden Heaven represents the other left-footed option in United’s defensive ranks, though the youngster remains relatively inexperienced at the highest level.
Lucumi built his reputation playing alongside Riccardo Calafiori in central defence during the 2023/24 season, when Bologna finished fifth in Serie A and qualified for the Champions League.
Calafiori subsequently made the move to Arsenal, where he has gone on to become an influential figure, while Lucumi remained in Bologna.
The Colombian’s statistics from last season underline his quality, completing 90% of his passes and winning almost 60% of his duels in Serie A.
Lucumi also averaged over four recoveries and 1.5 tackles per game for Bologna, demonstrating the defensive work rate required to succeed in the Premier League.
Chelsea remain firmly in contention, though their recent signing of Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace could complicate their pursuit of another central defender.
United’s participation in Champions League football next season could prove a decisive factor, potentially giving them an edge over Chelsea in any battle for Lucumi’s signature.