According to Portuguese newspaper Record (via Sport Witness), Chelsea are still interested in Porto left-back Alex Telles.
After all these years, we have not forgotten about him!
Alex Telles | Man City have made approach for impressive €40m fullback, Chelsea have done the same, and they've been keen for a while. https://t.co/BvatUq4tQw #mcfc #cfc
— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) May 8, 2019
Telles is yet again having an excellent year on the left side of Porto’s defence. Both at national and continental levels, he has put in solid performances that may have garnered even more interest in him.
The list of clubs who have reportedly approached Porto for his signature is quite strong. Next to Chelsea, we have Atlético Madrid, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City. Real Madrid is also watching his steps, as they seek a replacement for Marcelo.
That could be the case with Chelsea. Marcos Alonso has not been the synonym of ‘solid’ as he was in Antonio Conte’s years, and neither has been his backup/starting competitor Emerson. And Telles checks a lot of boxes as a player that could suit Maurizio Sarri’s tactics, especially on the offensive side of the game.
However, we have our transfer ban still looming. And there are other areas of need in our squad that are ought to be addressed ahead of left-back, such as central midfield and centre-forward.
So even though the €40 million release clause no longer looks as ludicrous as it did in the past for a player of Telles’ quality (thanks, lopsided transfer market!), it would not be surprising if Chelsea pass on the Telles option even if they are allowed to make signings this summer. That is one transfer market loss we can endure, for sure.