Chelsea to make a move for Bayern Munich defender David Alaba
According to Spanish reporter Guillem Balague (h/t Sun), Chelsea have turned their attention to David Alaba to fill the position at left-back.
The Blues are in the market for just such a player and have already been linked with the likes of Alex Telles and Ben Chilwell. Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has been unimpressed by Marcos Alonso and Emerson Palmieri, and has taken to playing Cesar Azpilicueta there, out of position.
In a blow for us, Telles is close to a move to PSG while Chilwell will cost at least £50million.
Alaba is a versatile player who is also capable of playing at centre-back and defensive midfield. Having played in some of club football’s biggest games, the Austrian is a bonafide star who is a level above Telles or Chilwell.
According to the report, Lampard is interested in Alaba’s versatility and experience. His ability on the dead ball will be an added bonus.
The Blues are not the only team in the fray for the 27-year-old. Balague confirmed that a number of clubs have made approaches for the player.
Former Bayern boss Pep Guardiola, now at Manchester City, remains a fan, while the likes of Juventus, Real Madrid and Barcelona are also keen. (h/t Sun)
Alaba came up through the Bayern system since joining the club as a teenager in 2008. He initially spent his time in the reserves before making the step up to the senior squad in 2010.
He has since made 372 appearances for the Germans and has scored 30 goals and 48 assists. A six-time Austrian footballer of the year, he has helped the Bavarians win an incredible 17 major honours in the last decade.
The player’s contract at the Allianz Arena expires next season. This could force Byaern’s hand in selling him this summer, rather than risk losing him on a free next summer.
Alaba is a better all-round left-back when compared to the options already at the club. One of the finest players in the world, Chelsea should not let a chance to sign him pass by.
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Alaba has won 72 caps for the Austrian national side, often deputizing as captain. He was the nation’s top scorer in the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with 6 goals.