Sport
Potential Sandro signing a statement of significant intent from Chelsea
Things are looking up for Chelsea
After a concerning start to the summer, with Antonio Conte’s future under speculation and Diego Costa announcing that he has been told he is no longer part of the Italian’s plans, things are looking up for Chelsea. The manager is set to sign a new deal with the assurance that he will receive the backing he desires to strengthen in the transfer window.
Whenever a team wins a title, particularly so comfortably, it can be difficult to add to the quality without disrupting the harmony within the squad. While Leicester were never likely to retain their most unlikely of crowns, the Foxes spent big last summer to try to ensure that they could still compete on all fronts.
The club broke their record transfer fee three times last year, though Nampalys Mendy, Ahmed Musa and Islam Slimani all failed to have impact that Claudio Ranieri would have hoped for. Within six months the Italian had lost his job and while that would seem impossible for his compatriot at Stamford Bridge, it doesn’t change the fact that Conte and Chelsea must act wisely over the coming weeks and months.
If Costa leaves as expected, replacing his goal threat will be the priority this summer but the Blues are also reportedly in the market for defensive reinforcements too, both at the heart of their back three and at wing-back. The system worked wonders for the Londoners last season, so there’s certainly no reason to try to adapt, as Leicester did last time around to Ranieri’s ultimate demise.
Strength in depth
Conte’s concern is a lack of depth in those crucial wide positions. Indeed, the former Juventus boss was fortunate not only that neither Marcos Alonso or Victor Moses picked up injuries but also that the latter adapted to his new role so swiftly. Despite the Nigerian’s impressive form, he was certainly one of the players that the club were tipped to look for an upgrade on, so Chelsea’s attempts to lure Alex Sandro away from their manager’s old charges comes as something of a shock.
It’s no surprise whatsoever that the club would want to sign a player of the Brazilian’s calibre, but Marcos Alonso was among the club’s most consistent performers last season, so a new left wing-back was hardly at the top of the transfer to do list. The 26-year-old’s integration into the team coincided with the switch to a 3-4-3 formation and in turn the club’s drastic improvement in results.
The Spaniard weighed in with an impressive 6 goals and 3 assists and was rarely caught short at the back, adhering to Conte’s demands to a T. The club’s interest in Sandro spells trouble for Alonso though, with Juventus confirming they have received a ‘substantial offer’, believed to be in the region of £55m.
It’s a fee that highlights just how highly the Brazil international is regarded in the game, widely considered among the best full-backs in world football and, crucially, an ideal candidate for a wing-back berth.
Sandro is a classic Brazilian fullback
The 26-year-old started 25 league games last season, scoring three times and registering four assists, while his figures for tackles (2.3 to 1.9) and interceptions (2.1 to 1.5) were both up on Alonso’s. It’s Sandro’s quality in attack that really stands out, however, averaging more than twice the number of key passes (1.9 to 0.8) and dribbles (1.8 to 0.7) per game than the Chelsea man.
While the Blues will need squad depth ahead of a return to the Champions League, the signing of Sandro would unquestionably be bad news for Alonso, but a significant step in the direction to becoming one of Europe’s top teams once more. It’s a move of real intent in that regard, and perhaps one with another incentive in mind.
Premier League rivals Manchester City and to a lesser extent United have both been linked to the Juve-man’s services, so whilst the primary objective is of course to strengthen his own squad, Conte is well aware it would mean his competitors – both of whom’s needs for a new left-back are far more pressing – would miss out on one of their top targets.
If a deal does go through it would certainly only cement Chelsea’s status as the team to beat again next season, whilst giving the Blues further options ahead of an assault on Europe to boot.
Martin Laurence
Martin is the content manager for WhoScored.com
You can follow more of his tips on Twitter @WSTipster
