Hungary manager Marco Rossi seemingly confirmed a possible transfer to Chelsea for defender Attila Szalai, after recent links over a move.
Hungary national team manager Marco Rossi has given away an important piece of transfer information after confirming a possible move for defender Attila Szalai to Chelsea. The news may not be surprising after the Blues were linked to a host of centre-backs ahead the January window with the Hungarian one of those names.
The Fenerbahce defender has had a decent season so far, and he has attracted plenty of interest from clubs all around Europe. Chelsea were among the teams credited with an interest in the defender, with the Blues seemingly looking to reinforce their backline.
Thomas Tuchel has been chasing a central defender since the summer window as Chelsea never replaced Kurt Zouma, who was sold West Ham United. Jules Kounde was a priority target for the reigning champions of Europe, although they could not agree on a fee with Sevilla for the Frenchman.
But, Tuchel could be close to getting his wishes in the near future, with Szalai likely to join Chelsea, if there is any truth to Marco Rossi’s comments. His quotes from an interview with Calciomercato appeared on Goal.com, as the Hungarian national team manager claimed a move was very close.
Rossi said, “It’s hard to name just one player, but right now I see very well Attila Szalai, who plays for Fenerbahce, but I think he is joining Chelsea. Clearly, he has been followed by important clubs in Spain, but apparently his move to Chelsea is a done deal. He would be a great player also for Italian football.”
Bringing in a centre-back is key for Tuchel to maintain continuity this season. On paper, Chelsea have plenty of options in the position, with as many as six players capable of playing the role. However, Tuchel wants to bring in another defender given as the likes of Cesar Azpilicueta, Andreas Christensen, Antonio Rudiger and Thiago Silva are all in the final year of their respective contracts.
The report reckons it might be a move worth £20 million, a sum that should not be a problem for Chelsea. It now remains to be seen if a transfer does see the light of the day.