Tensions between Chelsea and Antonio Conte are sure to be eased if the club can wrap up the double signing of Alex Sandro and Tiemoue Bakayoko.
Recent reports claim Conte has become increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress his club are making in the transfer window, particularly as he needs reinforcements for a depleted squad in preparations for their UEFA Champions League return. And the fact that title rivals Manchester City have already spent heavily will also have not gone unnoticed by the Italian coach.
However, any tension between the board and Conte could soon be eased with news that attempts to land two of his big targets are to be stepped up. According to The Guardian, the Blues are set to make an improved bid for Brazil international Sandro, the 26-year-old fullback, with a club record bid of £55million expected to be made for a player Juventus signed from Porto two years ago.
Sandro has played a key role in the Bianconeri’s success since he arrived in Turin, making 74 appearances in all competitions as his side have won back-to-back Serie A and Coppa Italia doubles. Capped seven times by his country, his arrival could see Marcos Alonso take a reduced role next season despite his hugely impressive debut campaign in the capital last term.
The Premier League champions will also increase their efforts to land Bakayoko from Monaco. The 22-year-old France international has been earmarked by Conte for several weeks now after his impressive performances in Ligue 1 and the Champions League last season, and his potential £40million arrival would create competition in midfield for Nemanja Matic.
Whilst these are the two targets Chelsea believe can be landed with relative ease, their biggest outlay could yet to be made. Romelu Lukaku continues to be linked with a return to Stamford Bridge, and Everton’s imminent capture of Malaga striker Sandro Ramirez could accelerate the transfer, which could see Roman Abramovich again break the club record to the tune of £80million.
