Juventus will reportedly allow Alex Sandro – a target for Chelsea and Manchester City – in January for a fee around the £52 million mark.
According to Football.London and Italian publication Tuttosport, Chelsea and Manchester City have finally been handed a major boost in pursuit of Brazilian left-back Alex Sandro. The Juventus seems discontent with his personal life in Italy and is looking to move to a different country, which seems to have forced the Italian champions’ hand.
The report states that Juventus are worried by Alex Sandro and his personal situation, with the player’s unhappiness pretty evident to the Italian giants. While there are no problems fitness-wise, Juventus do not want to keep a player against his will and have thus eased their transfer stance on the 26-year-old.
The Bianconeri are willing to let go of Alex Sandro for a fee of £52 million in January, which will be music to the ears of Chelsea and Manchester City, who are both looking to add a player in the same position.
Chelsea have been long-term admirers of Alex Sandro, with Antonio Conte making several attempts to bring the player over to London. However, Juventus had rejected all advances from Chelsea, who then reinforced the left wing-back slot with a fellow Serie A customer in Marcos Alonso.
Marotta – “Alex Sandro was in full agreement with the idea of remaining with us. His performances are down to his own personal issues that we won’t go into here.” pic.twitter.com/i8wLWjQGNj
— Brazil Football ?? (@BrazilEdition) December 1, 2017
And while the move did bring them success in Conte’s first season in charge, a lack of depth and challenge for spots in the said position soon saw a dip in performances, which saw the 26-year-old being targeted again by the Blues in the present summer transfer window, only to be foiled again.
Chelsea were not alone this summer though, with Manchester City also looking at Alex Sandro. Juventus had reportedly rejected bids of a similar amount from both the Premier League clubs in the summer. But, the Italian outfit is now willing to let Alex Sandro leave for the exact amount.
£52 million is a lot for a defender but not much if you consider the value addition that the arrival of the Brazilian will facilitate. Manchester City reinforced during the summer with Benjamin Mendy but with the player now out for the rest of the season, Guardiola has been forced to field Fabian Delph at left-back.
And while Delph has not been shaky at all, the manager would love to be able to field a natural marauding left-back like Alex Sandro.
A January transfer battle seems set to ensue and it will be interesting to see who Alex Sandro chooses and whether he moves at all mid-season.
