It looks like Chelsea have reportedly decided to end their interest in Juventus defender Alex Sandro. The Brazilian was keen on a move to England last summer and Juventus were ready to let him leave the club for £60million.
Sandro had garnered strong interest from Chelsea as Antonio Conte looked to add cover to his only left-wing back, Marcos Alonso. Since Sandro decided to stay put at Turin, Conte acquired the services of Emerson Palmieri from AS Roma during the winter transfer window.
Sandro, who was also linked with a move to Manchester United last summer, insists that his sole focus remains with Juventus and securing a place in Brazil’s World Cup squad.
“I have always remained focused on my work and my only thought has always been Juventus, with whom I still have two years of contract,” Sandro told Gazzette dello Sport (h/t the Metro).
“I feel really good and I am satisfied with my condition today. My goal is, first of all, to win everything with Juventus. Then the World Cup will come and I hope to deserve a call in the Seleçao by doing well here.”
In a sudden twist of events, Conte has taken a decision to end his pursuit of Sandro, as reported by Italian news website Calciomercato.
The Chelsea manager was very much interested in the 27-year-old but since he now has the likes of Alonso and Emerson as his left-wing backs, the Italian does not want to spend on a new left-fullback in the summer.
The report adds that Juventus directors Beppe Marotta and Fabio Paratici value Sandro very highly and were not keen to budge down to an offer from us.
The decision is understandable. We are certainly not going to get affected by this as Conte has signed Emerson from Roma. The left full-back looks to be a shrewd signing and has already become an instant hit after assisting fellow January signing Olivier Giroud’s first Chelsea goal in the 4-0 FA Cup win over Hull City last week.