Chelsea Transfer News: Alex Sandro Reportedly Halted by 'Inflated' Asking Price

Chelsea have reportedly hit a roadblock in their pursuit of Juventus defender Alex Sandro because the Serie A champions have slapped an "inflated asking price" on their man.

The Blues have picked up winter interest in Sandro after being linked with him in previous transfer windows, but the Telegraph's Matt Law reported they aren't willing to meet Juve's £60 million demands.

The Bianconeri are said to be seeking around that sum to part ways with Sandro, who has already indicated he "wants to leave Juventus," per Law's report, and his club are ready to sell as long as their valuation is met.

Juventus chief executive Giuseppe Marotta recently delivered this point in quotes provided by football writer David Amoyal, albeit making sure to note Sandro is far from being out of the Turin exit door just yet:

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte was one year departed from the Juventus helm when Sandro arrived at the Old Lady from Porto in the summer of 2015, although the former will still have his connections worth utilising in Italy.

It helps Chelsea's case somewhat that Sandro hasn't been at his best so far this season, and Juve may be more open to selling a player who is no longer such a crucial part of their future plans.

The Brazil international has started in 12 Serie A games while Kwadwo Asamoah has reverted to his old position at left-back and earned eight league starts, providing competition for the role that hasn't been needed for some time.

The Blues already have a star left-back of their own in Spaniard Marcos Alonso, who has proved great value in the attacking department this term for the Premier League champions:

It strikes as odd that Chelsea would seek to spend such significant funds on a player currently lacking in form to seemingly replace a player who is performing well in a position that could hardly be called a problem area.

Goal's Nizaar Kinsella mused last summer that Alonso had improved since joining Conte's Chelsea from Fiorentina in 2016:

Barcelona's recent £142 million capture of Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho, per BBC Sport, served as the most recent reminder yet as to just how much clubs must pay in a market that's again spiralled of late.

Juventus may sense there's more money to be made from the right Premier League suitor ready to spend, but Chelsea's lack of need for a player like Sandro could see the Bianconeri hold on to their defender.