Due to his hefty release clause at Benfica, Chelsea have opted against signing Swedish international Victor Lindelof.
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte left his business till the very final day of the transfer window as he signed two defenders on deadline day. Unsuccessful in his efforts to convince a quality centre-back to move to Stamford Bridge all summer, the Italian ended up overpaying for his two late signings.
First to walk through the door was former Blues defender David Luiz. A Champions League and Premier League winner at Chelsea, returned to the club only three seasons after his big money move to Paris St. Germain.
The Brazilian moved to France for a reported £50 million – making him the world’s most expensive defender. Having not particularly impressed since his move away from the Bridge, it came as much of a surprise when the Chelsea board decided to pay £32 million for his services.
Marcus Alonso was Chelsea’s second deadline day signing of the day. Much like Luiz, the Spanish centre-back hasn’t been in the best of form off-late. Taking advantage of Conte’s desperation to sign a defender, Fiorentina decided to capitalise on the 25-year-old by making £25 million off his sale.
Another name heavily linked with the Blues all through the summer was Benfica defender Victor Lindelof. Chelsea were on the cusp of securing his services a couple of days prior to the 31st of August, but were put off after listening to the £25 million valuation of the player.
Football Italia recently reported that the 22-year-old was subject to transfer interest of Inter Milan and PSG as well. It was stated that the two European heavyweights, along with Chelsea, will be vying for his signature come the January transfer window.
However, according to Nizaar Kinsella of Goal, Chelsea have pulled out of the race for the highly-rated Swedish defender. It is also reported that Zenit St. Petersburg and Wolfsburg have emerged as shock suitors for Lindelof.
Chelsea’s decision to opt against signing Lindelof is due to their interest in Hoffenheim defender Niklas Sule. The Blues are willing to wait out an entire season before they can complete the signing of the highly-rated German starlet.
