Chelsea are ready to try and jump on Manchester City’s plans to sign two new left-backs.
City boss Pep Guardiola has made it clear to his hierarchy that he wants four top-class full-backs to get the best out of his system, two for each side.
Kyle Walker has arrived from Tottenham, whilst Brazilian star Dani Alves was set to join him on the right, but he instead opted for Paris Saint Germain.
City are now closing in on a deal for Real Madrid’s Danilo, who Chelsea have also enquired about – but the Manchester club are well down the road on that deal.
However, City’s inability to agree terms on either of their left-back targets – Benjamin Mendy of Monaco and Southampton’s Ryan Bertrand, has opened the door up for other clubs and Chelsea are now keen on both.
Chelsea have been trying to strike a deal for Juventus’ Alex Sandro, but with that deal now stalling – they are looking at both Mendy and their former player Bertrand.
City want both players, but Chelsea are now looking at the pair and thinking they could land one of them – which would get them their extra left-back which boss Antonio Conte has asked for.
Chelsea sources have confirmed to me their interest, but those close to the City deal firmly believe they remain in pole position for the duo.
We spoke to BetVictor’s Head of antepost Football Michael Triffitt about both Mendy and Bertrand – with City currently odds on to land both of them.
“After looking likely to join Manchester City, Benjamin Mendy is now attracting the attention of Chelsea with the champions 6/1 from 16/1 to persuade him London should be his next destination. The Monaco left back is still a hot favourite at 1/3 to join the Citizens and its 12/1 bar those two clubs,” he told TheGamblingTimes.com.
On Bertrand he added: “Another left back, Bertrand is also on both clubs radar and again City are favourites at 4/6 to capture the player with Chelsea 8/1.”