Chelsea are reportedly confident of beating the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool to the signing of Schalke defender Sead Kolasinac in the summer.
Daily Mirror are claiming that Chelsea are confident of beating their competition in the pursuit of Schalke defender Sead Kolasinac. The left-back is being tailed by numerous clubs with Manchester City and Liverpool joining the race in recent times. But, it seems the Blues are confident of beating their rivals to Kolasinac.
Kolasinac has become a regular at Schalke 04 since joining the club in 2012 on a free transfer. This season alone, the player has amassed 30 appearances in all competitions, with his influence on the pitch gauged by the fact that Schalke have failed to win any of the 7 Bundesliga games that the Bosnian has missed.
Schalke 04 have, in their hands, a player who can boss the left side of the defence for the next decade or so. But, it is his contract situation that has made him a guaranteed departure. The 23-year-old is sure to test the Bosman agency after rejecting multiple advances from the club to extend his deal, which is set to expire at the end of the season.
Arsenal and Juventus were linked with the player along with Chelsea in the past. But, the Bianconeri and the Gunners seemed to have taken a backseat. However, Manchester City and Liverpool have emerged as new competitors for Kolasinac.
Chelsea are seeking cover and a possible upgrade on Marcos Alonso. The Bosnian will also serve as a player ready for the first-team to rival Alonso for the position while also providing a player capable of being a part of the long-term vision of the club.
Chelsea are confident they’ll complete the signing of Schalke and Bosnia left-back Sead Kolasinac. (Source: Mirror) pic.twitter.com/MCGoZ1A7Mu
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) April 6, 2017
Manchester City are well-known to be in the market, with Pep Guardiola looking to freshen up the wide defensive options at Etihad. The current options for left-back – Aleksandar Kolarov and Gael Clichy – are both 31, not what Guardiola prefers.
Liverpool, too, are in search of a left-back. James Milner has done a commendable job but has been caught out on a few occasions. Jurgen Klopp is sure to delve into the market for a more natural option and Kolasinac fits the profile of the kind of players he looks to add to his squad.
Everton, though, are also in the race, with the Toffees understood to be ready to offer the 23-year-old wages of in excess of £100,000 per-week while AS Roma and AC Milan are also interested in the player’s services.
The suitors can afford to offer high wages, with the player coming in on a free transfer, whichever club he ends up opting for. His return of 3 goals and 7 assists also shows that the player will be the perfect player for any of the three clubs – who all require attacking contribution from their wide defenders.
With all three clubs – Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool – able to afford high wages, it would be intriguing to see which project interests Kolasinac the best and where he ends up in the summer. Whichever club he opts to sign for, though, is likely to get a gem of a player; an unbelievable bargain.
