Chelsea Chasing £30m Defender

Chelsea Chasing £30m Defender

Chelsea are eyeing up a move for Valencia defender Joao Cancelo and could be set to make a £30m bid.

The Portuguese right-back had been scouted extensively by Chelsea whilst at the European U21 championships this summer, and the Blues continued to watch his progress during pre-season for Valencia.

The 23-year-old has always been touted for stardom ever since his Benfica days, where he made just one appearance before Valencia signed him on a season-long loan in 2014 – he then agreed a permanent switch to the Spanish side the following year. Cancelo has often been likened to Philipp Lahm, something that will surely excite Chelsea fans.

Antonio Conte has been desperate to add defensive cover to his squad this summer, chasing Alex Sandro, Virgil van Dijk and Serge Aurier so far. However, it seems Cancelo might be the perfect option for the Blues as he will is comfortable at both right-back and right wing back.

According to various reports, the Portuguese would cost Chelsea anywhere from £25-30m. In the transfer market’s current climate, this fee seems very cheap considering he is an international defender for Portugal at just 23.

Sky Sports confirmed the rumours, with reporter Kaveh Solhekol saying: “Conte wants to sign at least one wing-back this summer and one of the players he is interested in is Joao Cancelo.”

“He’s a Valencia right-back who was scouted playing for Portugal at the European Under-21 Championships.”

“Juventus and Spurs are also said to be interested. He’s valued at about £25m.”