Chelsea ready to move on from Alex Sandro, Leon Goretzka close to agreeing Bayern Munich move

David Cooper - Writer 20:29 17/01/2018
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  • Alex Sandro may not be Chelsea-bound after all.

    We are now over halfway through the transfer window!

    Here, we take a look at the biggest stories dominating the headlines on Wednesday.

    Will any of the following deals happen?

    Let us know your thoughts.

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    CHELSEA LINE UP EMERSON AS ALEX SANDRO ALTERNATIVE

    Roma’s Emerson Palmieri is the latest left-back to be linked with Chelsea, according to Goal.

    Talks with Juventus over a move for Alex Sandro, Chelsea’s first-choice target at the position, have been slow-moving, and the Blues could turn their attentions to Emerson instead.

    RATING: 5/10

    VERDICT

    It’s unlikely that Antonio Conte is out of the race for Sandro, given that the Juventus man has been a top target for Chelsea for quite a while. But at the same time, it’s been difficult to get that deal over the line, and there’s speculation that they’ll have competition from PSG if and when they revive their attempts to sign the 26-year-old – and PSG will win any bidding war.

    The interest in Emerson is thus a smart play for Chelsea, especially given he’ll be much cheaper, with Roma’s valuation of their left-back reportedly an affordable £20m. Another reason Emerson might be the better buy is the effect on Chelsea’s incumbent left-back. Marcos Alonso would probably be knocked out of the starting XI by Sandro, but not Emerson – but signing the Roma man would give added impetus to Alonso as he’ll realise Emerson is gunning for his spot.

    Emerson looks like the alternative to Alex Sandro for Chelsea.

    Emerson looks like the alternative to Alex Sandro for Chelsea.

    GORETZKA AGREES BAYERN DEAL

    Sport Bild understands Schalke’s Leon Goretzka has agreed a deal to join Bayern Munich. The young German has been linked with some of Europe’s leading clubs, but the Bundesliga heavyweights have seemingly stolen a march on their rivals to secure Goretzka’s signature.

    RATING: 8/10

    VERDICT: 

    A young German player whose already made a name for himself at a leading Bundesliga club and is looking for a step up – where does he go? The answer is usually Bayern Munich. This deal comes as no surprise at all – as well as Germans have done outside their home country, Bayern can offer players the same big-club experience they’ll chase elsewhere, but along with home comforts and a greater guarantee of trophies and overall success.

    It would be surprising if any of the other contenders for Goretzka’s signature are able to persuade him to choose them over the Bavarians.

    Goretzka to Bayern Munich looks like a done deal.

    Goretzka to Bayern Munich looks like a done deal.

    BARCELONA LOOK TO WARD OFF UMTITI SUITORS

    Barcelona are ready to open contract talks with centre-back Samuel Umtiti, according to Mundo Deportivo. The Frenchman’s current deal runs until 2021, but also has a €60m release clause, which has interested the likes of Manchester City.

    RATING: 9/10

    VERDICT

    Umtiti’s relatively affordable release clause has been a subject of concern at Barcelona for a while now, especially with clubs circling around the defender. There’s been no indication that Umtiti wants to leave the club, but why take the risk?

    Better to tie him up in a new deal with a much more prohibitive release clause, and ensure that a player they bought with the intent of keeping him for a long spell is actually around for a long spell.

    Barcelona want to make sure Samuel Umtiti is one of theirs for a long time.

    Barcelona want to make sure Samuel Umtiti is one of theirs for a long time.

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