Alex Sandro’s INCREDIBLE tackles and assists for Juventus
Less than a week after Antonio Conte admitted he tried to sign Tottenham's Kyle Walker to bolster his full-back options, the Italian is yet to land a signing.
Juventus star Alex Sandro is Conte's top target but getting a deal over the line is proving difficult with the Serie A club playing hardball.
Why do Chelsea need Sandro?
Marcos Alonso was one of the standout performers for Chelsea as they ran away with the title last season and few would consider dropping him for the upcoming campaign.
But the demands of Conte's 3-4-3 formation could have big consequences on the wing-back in the latter stages of the campaign.
The Blues will also be welcoming Champions League football back to Stamford Bridge, meaning the fixtures will be coming thick and fast.
Sandro would provide healthy competition to Alonso and allow Conte to rotate his squad when needed.
Alex Sandro has been strongly linked with a move to Chelsea this summer
How much is Sando going to cost?
Latest reports indicate Chelsea are willing to offer Juve as much as £63million for his services.
While that is some way short of the £70m the Blues have already spent on Alvaro Morata during the transfer window, a deal for Sandro would make him the world's most expensive defender.
Manchester City have already broken the defender transfer record TWICE this summer - first signing Walker from Tottenham for £50m and then Benjamin Mendy from Monaco for £52m.
Has a deal been agreed? What's Sandro's stance?
Italian publication Calcio Mercato claim Sandro has already agreed personal terms with the Blues that will see him pocket €7m (£6.26m) a year.
Sandro still has three years left on his contract with the Serie A champions but is open to a move to west London.
Juve are thought to have put a new contract on the table for the Brazilian but he is yet to sign it.
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Antonio Conte is keen to bring Sandro to Chelsea with the Blues willing to spend over £60m
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What's the latest stance from Juve?
Massimiliano Allegri insists Sandro is going nowhere.
Speaking after Juve's 1-1 draw with Roma yesterday, the Italian told the press he has no plans to sell him.
Allegri said about Sandro: “He is extraordinary player and won’t be leaving Juventus.
“Alex Sandro is an extraordinary player who has been much improved since he came and still has a lot of improvement, and together with Marcelo I think they are the strongest left backs in the world.”
What next then?
This could be a deal that goes right down to deadline day with Chelsea refusing to give up the chase and Juve adamant he won't be sold.
But until Sandro puts pen to paper on a new contract Chelsea will remain confident they can sign him.
