New Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is on the lookout for top quality centre-backs to bolster the Blues’ defence. After having tried their best to land Leonardo Bonucci, Chelsea have now turned their attention to Valencia centre-back Shkodran Mustafi.
The 24-year-old German was released by former Manchester United manager David Moyes when he was still at Everton. He then moved to Italian club Sampdoria on a free transfer in Januray, 2012, helping the side gain promotion to the Serie A. After establishing himself as a first choice centre-back in the 2013-14 season and playing a part in Germany’s 2014 World Cup triumph, Valencia brought him to La Liga for an undisclosed fee believed to be in the region of €8 million. Mustafi has since become a mainstay in Los Che’s defence, making 78 appearance for the club in two seasons.
Despite having failed to secure the services of his club teammate Andre Gomes, Chelsea could return to Valencia with a bid for Shkodran Mustafi. Following the Blues’ unsuccessful attempts to sign Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci, manager Antonio Conte is eyeing a move for the Germany international, according to The Mirror.
His transfer fee would be in the region of £25 million, which is a figure that is unlikely to faze the London club. Cash-strapped Valencia would also regard this as a way to generate funds, as well as keep a hold of their talisman Gomes, who is wanted by a number of top clubs across Europe.
Antonio Conte’s teams are renowned for their solid defensive structure, with the Italian having helped the likes of Juventus with his three-man defensive system. Chelsea currently have only three established centre-backs in John Terry, Kurt Zouma and Gary Cahill, with right-back Branislav Ivanovic also a contender for the spot. As such, Conte will be looking to make key signings in that area.
Mustafi has been solid defensively for Los Che this past season, despite their poor performances in La Liga. He has a decent number of tackles per game at 2.6, but his work in the box is top notch. The German defender registered 4.4 interceptions, 5 clearances and 0.7 blocks per game (via WhoScored). At 24 years of age, he has his whole future ahead of him and Conte’s defensive nous could help him develop into a world class defender at Chelsea.
