Three Players Who Chelsea Can Target Instead Of Chiellini
Antonio Conte’s Chelsea fell to a demoralising loss to Manchester City last weekend. To add to it, they were also dealt a blow after their star striker Alvaro Morata picked up an injury that could put him out of the game for the next two months. Conte is still searching for players who can improve the quality of the Chelsea squad and one player they have been linked with is Italian ace Giorgio Chiellini.
The Italian defender has been the pillar of the backline for Juventus and the Italian national team for almost a decade now but has extensively been linked with an exit. However, reports today claim that he is ready to sign a new deal with the Serie A giants, which will come as a big blow for Chelsea. So who can Conte target as alternatives? Here are three players Chelsea should look to sign if Chiellini commits his future to the Italian champions.
Virgil van Dijk (Southampton)
The Dutch defender was a subject a lot of speculation in the summer transfer window but ended up staying at the St. Mary’s for at least another few months. Liverpool retain their interest in the 26-year old but Chelsea have also been scouting him recently. If the Blues miss out on Chiellini, Van Dijk is probably their best option, who can walk into the first team at the Stamford Bridge. If they can lure him, it’d be massive.
Kalidou Koulibaly (AS Napoli)
Another long-term transfer target for Chelsea, Koulibaly has made a good start to the Serie A campaign this season but continues to be linked with an exit. The Italian club are ready to offer him a new deal but it does not look like the player will take any decision in the near future. Chelsea are hot on his heels and if he is the one they target instead of Chiellini, Koulibaly should be more than happy to make the switch.
Toby Alderweireld (Tottenham Hotspur)
A top transfer target for fellow English club Manchester City, Alderweireld has established himself as one of the most consistent defenders in the Premier League and is now in doubt over his future at Tottenham. He is the first choice defender for club and country at the moment but is yet to extend his contract that comes to an end in 2020. He could be available for the cheap next summer and if Chelsea fail in their bid to land the Italian, this Belgian can easily be as effective as him.