Journalist gives update on Chelsea pursuit of star 26-year-old – report
Chelsea are not close to clinching the signing of Alex Sandro from Juventus, according to reports
Chelsea are not close to clinching the signing of Alex Sandro from Juventus, according to one Italian journalist.
It has been widely reported in the British media in recent days that Chelsea are closing on a deal to bring the 26-year-old full-back to Stamford Bridge as Antonio Conte looks to strengthen his options in that position.
However, Italian reporter Niccolo Ceccarini says that a deal for Sandro to move to Chelsea is not as close as has been recently suggested.
Indeed, he claims that the maximum Chelsea would be currently prepared to pay for Sandro would be £40m – some way short of Juventus’ own valuation of the player and the figure closer to £60m which has been quoted in reports in recent weeks.
Speaking to Tutto Mercato Web Radio, Ceccarini said: “As for Alex Sandro, the maximum bid which Chelsea can reach is €45m (£40m), so we are very far from the figures that have been written about in recent days.
“And under these conditions, Juventus does not even sit down [for talks].
“About the will of the player – Alex Sandro has never said: ‘I want to go to Chelsea’.
“Maybe you’ve heard the Premier League is a championship which pulls on his heartstrings, but there has never been any official request made by the Brazilian.”
Chelsea have been linked with a host of players this summer but are yet to officially confirm any new signings ahead of next season.
The west London side won the Premier League title last season and are now preparing for a return to the Champions League next term.
