Chelsea round-up: City threaten Rudiger deal; bid made for Sandro alternative; Bonucci latest

Add as preferred source on Google

Despite having agreed a fee with Roma, the Mirror report that Chelsea’s £35 million move for German international Antonio Rudiger is far from done with Manchester City set to pounce in an attempt to take the central defender to the Etihad instead. The move follows the Citizens’ defeat in their pursuit of Chelsea bound Monaco midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko.

Rudiger is said to be open to the idea of working with Pep Guardiola in what could be a major threat to Chelsea. Rudiger is the first name to be strongly linked with a move to reinforce the Chelsea defence this summer after the exits of John Terry and Nathan Ake.

Another deal could be in doubt too, as the The Sun claim that French giants Paris Saint-Germain are making a late move of their own for Juventus left-back Alex Sandro. That has forced the Blues to consider their alternatives and could see them submit a £22 million bid for Porto left-back Alex Telles as an alternative.

[interaction id=”59538f67f2d4938713c373ca”]

Both news stories come as major blows to Antonio Conte as he looks to strengthen his squad in the coming weeks as he looks to defend his Premier League title. With Marcos Alonso already filling the left-wing-back position, missing out on Sandro may not be a total disaster, but it would still have a profound affect on morale at the club.

Things aren’t looking up for them in their pursuit of Juventus central defender Leonardo Bonucci either, as Italian newspaper Tuttosport believe that Barcelona have jumped ahead of Chelsea and Manchester City in their pursuits of the 30-year-old.

The Italian has worked with Antonio Conte for both club and country but it had appeared that he would be staying in Turin this summer. This new interest could serve to unsettle him though, but Chelsea will have some stiff competition if they are to compete for his signature.

Featured Image: All rights reserved by Coppa Italia.