Chelsea round-up: Juventus reject Alex Sandro bid; Dortmund’s Sokratis Papastathopoulous linked; Diego Costa discusses future

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Chelsea have suffered rejection in one of their first major moves of the transfer window, if rumours are to be believed. Respected Italian journalist Tancredi Palmeri Tweeted to claim that the Blues had a £44 million bid for Juventus left-back Alex Sandro rejected by Antonio Conte’s former club.

The attacking full-back, who also played as a wing-back at times, would be a seemingly perfect addition to compete with Marcos Alonso on the left flank at Stamford Bridge. However, the club will have to up their offer as the Turin club have no intention of parting ways with their prized Brazilian.

Another potential addition could be Greek international Sokratis Papastathopoulous, according to Goal. The experienced central defender may come under consideration if the club cannot sign either of their two priority targets in the position – Southampton’s Virgil Van Dijk or Juve star Leonardo Bonucci.

Papastathopoulous has a rich pedigree, with 73 international caps to his name and having spent time at AC Milan as well as Borrussia Dortmund, but has recently spoken of his desire to win a league title. Considered a key option by Thomas Tuchel last season, he could add depth and quality to the squad for Conte.

However, the future is looking bleak for forward Diego Costa after recent revelations about his future. Now, the Spaniard has discussed what lies ahead for him as he told the press, as quoted by Sky Sports:

“I have a contract with Chelsea, they have to know what to do with me and I have to wait and know the decision that my club takes. I have a contract of two years with Chelsea, they have to decide. If they sell me, I will look for the best choice. Atletico is among them, it would not mean not playing, they can loan me out to some team in Spain, Brazil or wherever, but I have to play… Of course I rule out China, I have to think about the World Cup.”

The news is far from promising for Roman Abramovich and co., who may have considered a potential sale to China as the most lucrative option. Atletico’s transfer ban this summer also poses the risk of not being able to sell the unwanted goalscorer until January.

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