Chronicle EditorLONDON. — Chelsea are ready to make a fresh move for £60million Juventus wing-back Alex Sandro — to prove their commitment to Antonio Conte.
The English Premiership soccer champions have no intention of losing their Italian manager without a fight next summer, despite reports in Italy suggesting he could move on to AC Milan. Conte is into the second year of his three-year deal with the Blues, having opted for a substantial pay-rise during the summer rather than an extension. He is understood to have been frustrated at missing out on some of his experienced targets during the summer transfer window.
Claims of a financial penalty clause, supposed to have prevented Conte from quitting during the close-season, have been dismissed. But Chelsea are intent on continuing their fight for 26-year-old Sandro, to strengthen Conte’s hand going into the second half of the season.
Chelsea want to ensure he has enough depth to fight it out with title rivals Manchester City and Man United domestically and also match European football’s finest in the knockout phase Champions League.
Juventus rejected a string of bids from the Premier League champions for highly-rated Sandro during the summer. The Italian title-holders are now trying to persuade the Brazil international to sign a new £5million-a-year deal. Sandro, however, remains intrigued by the possibility of a move to English football.
Chelsea could also re-enter the chase for Arsenal striker Alexis Sanchez, who will have just six months remaining on his contract in January. — The Mirror.
Online Reporter