Pelle played a key role in Italy’s Euro 2016 campaign under the watch of incoming Chelsea manager Antonio Conte, who is eager to bring the striker who will turn 31 later this month to Stamford Bridge.
While Southampton were reluctant sellers in deals that saw Victor Wanyama move to Tottenham and Sadio Mane join Liverpool this summer, they are eager to strike a deal to sell Pelle, who has just one year left on his current Southampton contract.
Southampton’s move to sign striker Charlie Austin from QPR in last January’s transfer window paved the way for the departure of Pelle this summer, with Southampton hoping his prominent role in Italy’s Euro 2016 adventure will inflate the price tag they can secure for the striker.
Pelle is also believed to be keen to leave Southampton and secure what he sees as a final big money move of his career, with a move to Chelsea likely to see him bolster Conte’s revamped forward line following the capture of Michy Batshuayi from Marseille in a £33m deal on Sunday.
Italian and Turkish clubs have also made enquires for Pelle, but it is believed he would relish the chance to be reunited with Conte at Chelsea.
Meanwhile, Yahoo Sport understands that Southampton are determined to resist any potential move for their Republic of Ireland striker Shane Long this summer, with reports that Premier League champions Leicester and Liverpool have made a move for the 29-year-old forward wide of the mark
