Chelsea may have been slow starters in the transfer window so far but that is about to change, according to Daily Telegraph reports. The Blues, it’s claimed, are ready to spend £125m on three defensive signings.
Tiemoue Bakayoko
A £35m deal with Monaco is agreed in principle, with the finer details being worked through by the two clubs. Bakayoko impressed during the Ligue Un champions European adventure during 2016/17.
Chelsea are strengthening in anticipation of selling Nemanja Matic to Manchester United. A fee of £40m is being mooted bringing the revenues from sales to over £100m this summer.
There could be a knock-on effect with Nathaniel Chalobah stalling on signing a new contract. The England Under-21 international is a target for Watford this summer.
Alex Sandro
The full back will be the most expensive of the trio to arrive, with the fee paid to Chelsea expected to rise to £60m.
With 7 caps for Brazil, Sandro is looking to increase his profile and the English Premier League is the most watched in the world, a move to the champions won’t do any harm.
As usual with Brazilians, Sandro is comfortable in fulfilling any role on the left be that in defence or attack. It makes him a valuable asset to any side but is offering Chelsea manager options in his formations, with a back three and flat back four.
Antonio Rudiger
The German international is a surprise choice for Chelsea.
Initially, they contact Roma about defensive partner, Kostas Manolas. However, the Italians need to sell to comply with financial regulations and Chelsea are ready to deal at £30m.
The versatile defender joined Roma from Stuttgart in 2015. Chelsea have options at the back but signing the German gives them the chance to loan Kurt Zouma so he gains more first team experience than he will get next season at Stamford Bridge.
