Transfer News: Chelsea are keen on signing Juventus defender Alex Sandro
According to Italian outlet Gazzetta Dello Sport (h/t ESPN), Chelsea have shortlisted Juventus star Alex Sandro to bolster the left-back position.
Alex Sandro has developed himself as a critical player for Juventus in the last few seasons. The Brazilian star’s productivity has taken a hit lately, but his ability to attack the wide areas has proven advantageous for the Old Lady.
The former Porto star has bagged one goal and one assist in 27 appearances across all competitions this term but remains an astute defender when his team is defending, and an essential attacking outlet when in possession.
Chelsea’s depth at left-back depleted after the injury to Ben Chilwell. Our team must find a viable replacement for the Englishman who is set to miss the remainder of the season, or there would be excessive pressure on Marcos Alonso.
Sandro to Chelsea?
The Spaniard is currently our only recognized player in the left wing-back role. His increasing age could become a barrier amidst a hectic schedule after the current international break. Chelsea are in the market for a left-back, and now it is believed that they are looking to rejuvenate their interest in Alex Sandro.
The Brazilian once ‘almost’ moved to Stamford Bridge for a whopping €40m, but he may not be worth that amount anymore as his stocks have dropped over the years. Having turned 31 today (on 26th January), it’s not like he is in the prime physical years of his career.
He is an experienced player nonetheless and is adept at playing in the left wing-back role, having excelled there for Juventus for many a season. It would be unrealistic to expect him to be a long-term signing at his age, but he can certainly do a job in the short term.
Juventus loanee Luca Pellegrini recently returned to the club after a loan spell with Genoa. The young left-back has started getting decent game time under Massimiliano Allegri. While it remains to be seen if this angle is even remotely related to a deal for Sandro, it is undoubtedly threatening for the Brazilian to see a young left-back starting to get playing time in his position.
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It remains to be seen how our board takes the pursuit forward, but no doubt bringing in the Juve full-back at Stamford Bridge before February would add much-needed depth down the left-hand side of our defence.
