Chelsea Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Alex Sandro and Tiemoue Bakayoko
Chelsea are reportedly closing in on a trio of signings, with Juventus left-back Alex Sandro, Monaco midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko and Roma centre-back Antonio Rudiger said to be on the brink of moves to Stamford Bridge.
According to Fabrizio Romano of The Guardian, the Blues have agreed a deal in principle for Rudiger and the player is set to have a medical with the champions next week.
Matt Law of the Daily Telegraph also reported a deal was nearing completion for the Germany international, although he suggested Sandro and Bakayoko are set to join, too. It's added the value of the three deals will amount to a whopping £125 million.
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According to Law, Chelsea also remain confident of landing Romelu Lukaku from Everton, as well as another centre-back. Former Manchester City 'keeper Willy Caballero is also said to be close to signing for the Blues as a replacement for Asmir Begovic, who has joined Bournemouth.
After a quiet start to the transfer window, it appears the champions are in for a busy July, with Rudiger seemingly set to be the first man through the door.
As noted by Sky Sports News HQ's Kaveh Solhekol, Roma are poised to make a massive profit on their defender:
Although the Blues are set to spend big money on Rudiger, they are getting a player who should make a big impact in the Premier League.
The 24-year-old is physical, intelligent and adaptable. Rudiger has played as a right-back and a centre-back at times last season, while he was also impressive as part of a back three. That'll be crucial for manager Antonio Conte and the three-man defence he deploys.
Sandro is another player with the potential to fit in perfectly to the Chelsea side, as he's been a one-man left side for Juventus at times.
As well as being an astute defensive player, as these numbers illustrate from WhoScored.com, the Brazilian makes a massive contribution going forward:
According to Law, Paris Saint-Germain are also interested in Sandro, who was been superb for the Italian champions in their run to the UEFA Champions League final last season. It's suggested the 26-year-old will cost around £60 million, a sum that'd top Chelsea's record purchase of Fernando Torres, who was a £50 million acquisition.
Marcos Alonso impressed as a specialist wing-back for Chelsea last season, although Sandro has also done a fine job in the position at Juventus. As good as the Spaniard was, if Conte was able to prise Sandro away from Turin, he'd add another frightening dimension to the Blues team.
Bakayoko is also edging closer to joining the champions, and according to Law, his purchase will pave the way for Nemanja Matic to move to Manchester United.
As noted by Bleacher Report's Dean Jones, if the deals did come off, it'd be more savvy business from Chelsea:
Improving on a title-winning squad is often difficult for managers, although the Blues don't seem to be taking anything for granted in the window. The trio of players aforementioned arguably all improve what was an exceptional starting XI last season and will offer crucial depth.
Sandro, Bakayoko and Rudiger all fit an exciting profile. They're players in the peak years of their career, they are combative—something that should aid in their transition to English football—and industrious. If they can improve Conte's side from last term, then the Blues are going to be a frightening proposition for the rest of the Premier League.
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