Chelsea remain in the hunt for Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric.
The Guardian says Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas does have Arsenal playmaker Samir Nasri lined up as a backup option.
Nasri is not yet considered a front-line target by Villas-Boas - who intends to scrutinise his squad when the players return to pre-season training next week - with the club having targeted Modric as their preferred creative midfield recruit.
An opening bid of about £22m has been rejected by Spurs, and the Tottenham chairman, Daniel Levy, who will meet Modric's representatives next week, has made clear his objections to the prospect of losing the Croatia international.
Should that pursuit continue to be blocked, Chelsea will switch their attentions more concertedly towards Nasri.
