Can Chelsea afford to miss out on signing Juventus’ Alex Sandro?

Add as preferred source on Google

Left-back has been a problem area for Chelsea since the departure of Ashley Cole in 2014, and there has been a large void there ever since. Yet, the Blues somewhat solved their problem last season as Marcus Alonso operated impressively at wing-back.

Despite lacking much athletic ability, the Spaniard was able to use his positional and tactical awareness in order to be effective defensively and, even more so, in an offensive sense, capable of a lethal cross or nabbing a goal, of which he scored six.

However, if Italian manager Antonio Conte wishes to take his side to the next level – in competing with the very best in Europe – a new left-wing back is a must.

According to the Daily Mail, Conte has looked to his old side Juventus in order to attain a new left-sided wing-back, specifically their £61 million-rated Brazilian Alex Sandro. The 26-year-old was a crucial part of the Serie A side that reached the Champions League final last season, while also winning the Italian top flight title.

An athletic full-back, Sandro loves getting forward, using his pace, one-on-one ability, and Brazilian flair in order to beat his opposite number. He is also an accomplished passer and crosser, with 1.9 key passes per game and four assists in Serie A throughout the 2016/17 season.

Chelsea face an uphill battle to sign the 26-year-old, however, with the Italian club desperate to keep hold of their left-wing back. The Blues have reportedly already submitted a £53 million (60 million euros) bid for the Juve man, but the Italian club are demanding upwards of £62 million (70 million euros) for his services, according to Italian outlet Tuttosport.

The Brazilian wing-back is also having doubts about leaving Italy for a move to the Blues, according to Sky Sports journalist Kaveh Solhekol, as referenced by the Daily Star and the Express, which is making it even harder to complete the deal.

Chelsea have already struggled to get deals over the line this summer transfer window, most recently having missed their top target Romelu Lukaku to Premier League rivals Manchester United.

The London club cannot afford to lose out on another player, as their rivals continue to improve, Chelsea must do so also, otherwise, they risk being left behind. A fantastic first season for Conte will be completely overshadowed by a poor summer window if the Blues do not invest.

Featured Image: All rights reserved by euronews.