Chelsea are ready to bring in a new left-back and talks have commenced for Porto’s Alex Telles.
Reports claimed that Leicester City’s Ben Chilwell was one of their top targets but Telles could arrive for a cheaper sum.
All the question marks about Marcos Alonso and Emerson Palmieri have been answered in Frank Lampard’s first season back at Chelsea. Even if they are dangerous going forward, their defensive abilities are far too lacking to be successful in the Premier League.
Telles is 27 now and does promise a great deal with his skill, pace and crossing ability. The Brazilian is also capable of covering his backline diligently. Chelsea need a player like him who can fit into a back four and hold its shape.
They have been exposed defensively far too many times this season and hopes of a top four finish have brought that seriously under question.
Chelsea would be wise to invest in Telles since his contract is due to run out by June 2021. Porto could be convinced into selling for a fee as low as £35m. Shipping out both Alonson and Emerson could be detrimental in the long run.
The former has performed well in a wing-back role recently, which unleashes his attacking strengths to the full degree. Keeping him as a backup will give Lampard more options in the long run.