Chelsea are set to add versatile Valencia right-back Joao Cancelo to their squad this week as Antonio Conte’s side begin their Premier League title defence. The Blues are suffering from injury problems before they’ve even kicked off and the 23-year-old should help competition for places at Stamford Bridge.
Source: The Blues via Twitter
Chelsea have been tracking the Valencia defender for a number of months and Antonio Conte is believed to be a fan of the forward thinking full-back and he looks set to join the Champions for a fee of around £25million. The Blues have been looking to add to their squad depth this summer and the Portuguese right-back fits the bill. The club’s scouting network have tracked his progress at both the Under 21 European Championships and throughout the most recent La Liga campaign, which saw Valencia finish in 12th position. He netted once in 38 appearances last year for Los Che.
The La Liga outfit have struggled to keep hold of their best players this summer with the likes of Alvaro Negredo and Matthew Ryan departing the Mestalla for pastures new. With the likes of Aymen Abdennour and Ezequiel Garay also linked with moves away from the club, it’s been a difficult summer for new manager Marcelino.
Juventus and Spurs are also believed to be admirers of the defender but West London appears to be his preferred destination. The Blues are also considering moves for Danny Rose and Alex Sandro, although the latter is believed to be staying at the Serie A side.
Source: Squawka News via Twitter
Chelsea have already added Antonio Rudiger and Alvaro Morata to their side this summer whilst Tiemoue Bakayoko has arrived from Monaco. Injuries to Pedro and Eden Hazard have hindered the Blues’ preparation ahead of the new Premier League season and reinforcements are undoubtedly required.
Despite wrapping up the Premier League title last season, Chelsea begin as third favourites in the Premier League betting to finish top of the pile. They can be backed at around 4/1 to retain their crown whilst Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City have been chalked up as the 13/8 favourites. Diego Costa, who netted 22 times for the club last season has been exiled and told he is free to find a new employer after falling out with boss Antonio Conte. The Spanish striker’s contribution will be much missed this time around.
Cancelo impressed in an underperforming side last season and his versatility can be a real asset to Chelsea. He can operate at both full back and on the right-hand side of midfield and isn’t afraid to break forward. His flexibility and tactical astuteness will suit Conte’s preferred 3-4-3 system perfectly.
The West London club will be tasked with juggling a Premier League and UEFA Champions League campaign this season and their squad depth will be severely tested as the club juggle multiple commitments. Cancelo’s potential addition to the side proves that Conte’s summer transfer dealings are far from finished as the Italian coach aims to wrap up successive titles. Further additions are expected at Stamford Bridge before the end of the month and Cancelo should be just the first of many impressive new recruits.
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