Chelsea have identified Alessio Romagnoli and Pepe as the ideal defensive targets and will try to sign the duo in the upcoming January transfer window, according to ESPN.
Blues were priced out of several deals last summer and failed to sign any of their top priority defenders including AC Milan’s Romagnoli.
However, after a rather slow start to the season, Antonio Conte is now convinced with the idea of spending big to improve his back line.
John Terry could hang his boots next season and Gary Cahill is not getting any younger while David Luiz is far from being the ideal defender for Chelsea or Antonio Conte.
It has been confirmed that Blues will go with a £49million January offer for Romagnoli who is ready to make his Premier League move.
As for Pepe, Chelsea are expected to agree pre-con
tract with the Portuguese in January where he will join The Blues next summer on a free transfer.
Pepe’s contract at Real Madrid expires at the end of the current season and Los Blancos are yet to offer a concrete offer to the 33-year-old.
Chances of Chelsea signing Romagnoli – 3/5
I see a lot of merit in this rumour given Chelsea’s dire need to bring in a quality central defender at Stamford Bridge. Alessio Romagnoli is just 21-year-old and could be Chelsea’s mainstay in defense for next decade to follow.
Chances of Chelsea signing Pepe – 1.5/5
I cannot help but think that another Real Madrid star is using a Premier League side to take leverage in getting a new contract at Bernabeu. Sergio Ramos, Toni Kross and Gareth Bale have done it in recent past and I see Pepe walking down the same road.