Chelsea will reportedly consider a summer move for Valencia defender Ezequiel Garay if they fail in their pursuit of Manchester City target Aymeric Laporte
The Sun are reporting that Chelsea will consider moving for Valencia defender Ezequiel Garay if they face failure in the pursuit of Athletic Bilbao star Aymeric Laporte, who is also being tailed by Manchester City. The Blues have shortlisted the Argentine as a potential alternative to the Frenchman.
Chelsea have managed to leave their forgetful last season behind and are currently on course to recapture the Premier League trophy under the tutelage of Antonio Conte – his maiden season in England. However, there is a lack of depth within the squad that has been highlighted often by the pundits.
In fact, Chelsea had no European football to address this season, which meant that their lack of depth did not really come to the fore. However, Conte knows well enough that he will have to add considerably to his present squad in order to be competitive next season as well, both in the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League.
The Blues have planned addition in every area. However, the defence could become a priority, especially with John Terry set to depart in the summer along with doubts over Kurt Zouma’s Chelsea future.
Capital Deporte understands that Chelsea and Inter Milan are hot on the trail of Valencia defender Ezequiel Garay.
— RumorsTransfers 24/7 (@rumorstransfers) May 11, 2017
3 – Ezequiel Garay is the 3rd defender to score a brace in La Liga 2016/17, after Pique (vs Celta) and Sergio Ramos (vs Malaga). Power. pic.twitter.com/SV8pBLCoFM
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) May 7, 2017
There were reports of Chelsea eyeing a summer swoop for Aymeric Laporte. But, with Manchester City long been associated with a move for the Frenchman, the Blues are not confident of landing the Athletic Bilbao defender.
And, the Sun are now reporting that Conte already has an alternative target in place in the probability that they do end up failing in the pursuit of the player. The Italian has shortlisted Ezequiel Garay as an alternative target for Laporte.
Garay is an interesting choice, considering the player has been consistently linked with a move to the Premier League, only to either stay put or move to another region. However, at Valencia, the player has been a regular; although being unable to reverse the fortunes of his club, which lie at a lowly 13th currently.
With Valencia consistently failing to return to their former heights, Garay could be tempted by the opportunity to be a part of a Chelsea squad that will be fighting for at least four honours along with the added allure of Champions League football.
The player has previous experience of playing in a top side during his time with Real Madrid and the 30-year-old could be the ideal addition to Conte’s team. Garay would, in all reality, be a cheaper and more realistic target compared to Aymeric Laporte.
It would be interesting to see though, as to whether Garay would agree to a move, especially having rejected the Blues in favour of Valencia last summer.
