Chelsea to buy Alex Sandro, Alexis Sanchez to appease Antonio Conte

• Posted on October 4, 2017
• by Nana Kwesi Coomson
• Comment

Antonio Conte was evidently not content with Chelsea’s strategy to help him retain the title and challenge in the Champions League, though a late flurry of signings right before the window close certainly helped.

But the Mirror believes the Italian will be handed additional mid-season reinforcements, including long-term targets Alex Sandro and Alexis Sanchez.

Arsenal will have their resolve tested in January ahead of the intimidating prospect of losing the Chile international for nothing in the summer.

Juventus left-back Sandro will be the subject of another bid, likely worth £60m, after Conte waited on a second option with Marcos Alonso as the only position without natural cover now in the squad.

Juventus make Milinkovic-Savic top midfield target

It’s good news for Liverpool as Juventus have made Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic their top priority to strengthen their midfield over Emre Can, reports Tuttosport.

The Biancocelesti will not sell for less than €80m though, so there is a list of alternatives, including Can, who could be free in 2018 if he fails to agree a new deal.

Other targets appear to be Leon Goretzka at Schalke, in addition to Napoli’s Faouzi Ghoulam, presumably as a replacement in the event that Chelsea sign Sandro.

Lastly, and rather incredibly, Juve want to bring Marcus Thuram, the son of their former defensive stalwart Lilian who was born in Italy during his father’s illustrious playing career and is on the books of Monaco.

Inter eye Ozil raid

Arsenal look set to push ahead with a January sale to avoid losing Mesut Ozilfor nothing next year, reports the Mirror.

The German playmaker has been linked with Manchester United on a free transfer but the Gunners will likely not wait that long.

The former Real Madrid star wants £350,000-per-week to extend his stay at the Emirates, but negotiations have so far not gone anywhere.

Inter Milan could also emerge as a possible destination with their newfound wealth and need for a classic No.10 to operate in behind Mauro Icardi.

Vidal set for Serie A return with Inter

It looks like more frantic buying from Serie A’s biggest clubs in the new year with the Nerazzurri eyeing Bayern Munich star Arturo Vidal, reports Corriere dello Sport.

Vidal thrived for Juventus, at times at the expense of Inter, but could now be a high-profile casualty as the Bundesliga giants prepare for a new era after Carlo Ancelotti’s sacking.

With Inter’s owners also owning Chinese club Jiangsu Suning, Luciano Spalletti may also see Ramires or Alex Teixeira moving back to European football.

Tap-ins

– Tottenham are looking to reignite their interest in Barcelona’s Andre Gomes, reports Transfer Market.

The Portugal international has struggled since his big-money move from Valencia and now Spurs will battle it out with Juventus, Manchester United and AS Monaco to offer him an exit route.

– AC Milan are chasing Udinese starlet Jakub Jankto, with Corriere suggesting the Czech talent could be Franck Kessie’s back-up.

– Napoli ought to be busy too, with Maurizio Sarri pushing to bring in Roberto Inglese immediately. Corriere believes the Chievo star could fill the void left by Arkadiusz Milik after his latest serious injury.