Alex Sandro to Chelsea: Antonio Conte confident of deal as Blues prepare £54m bid

CHELSEA are set to launch a €60million (£54m) bid for Juventus star Alex Sandro.

Alex Sandro’s INCREDIBLE tackles and assists for Juventus

Antonio Conte is keen to strengthen his wing-back options to provide healthy competition with Victor Moses and Marcos Alonso this season.

With the added return of Champions League football, the Italian boss knows he needs more options in a physically demanding role on the flanks.

And Juventus star Sandro is the man firmly at the top of his wish list.

The Blues have been in talks with Juve for some time over Sandro but the Serie A champions are playing hardball over any potential transfer.

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Alex SandroGETTY

Chelsea are set to bid £54million for Juventus star Alex Sandro

However, Italian publication CalcioMercato claim Chelsea are set to offer a staggering £54m to make him the most expensive defender in the world.

Should Juve accept the offer it would eclipse the £52m Manchester City paid for Benjamin Mendy this summer.

The report claims Chelsea are confident of completing a deal for Sandro before the transfer window shuts at the end of this month.

And Chelsea will now up their pursuit by offering the world-record fee that they believe Juve will find hard to turn down.

Antonio ConteGETTY

Antonio Conte is desperate to bring Alex Sandro to Stamford Bridge

However, the Blues still face an uphill battle to sign the 26-year-old with Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri determined not to sell.

He said earlier this month: “Alex Sandro is a Juve player.

“He is sensational and will not leave.”

Allegri has already parted with centre-back Leonardo Bonucci and will be well aware of the lack of time left to sign Sandro's replacement should the Brazil international follow his team-mate out the door.

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