Chelsea FC’s pursuit of signing Alex Telles has been given a boost as French champions PSG have dropped out of the race to sign the highly-rated left-back. Telles has emerged as a suitable alternative for Frank Lampard’s initial desire of signing Ben Chilwell for the Blues.
The Brazilian international Telles has been rumoured to be Chelsea FC’s second choice left-back signing in the summer behind Chilwell. Leicester City are persistent on sticking to their £80million price-tag for the English full-back.
With Lampard being priced out of a deal for Chilwell, the Blues manager has been forced to look elsewhere for alternatives. Telles has been singled out due to his ability as an attacking left-back with a great defensive mindset. Moreover, FC Porto will demand a much lower fee for Telles as compared to Leicester’s demands for Chilwell.
Besides Chelsea FC, Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain were also interested in securing a transfer for Telles in the summer. However, PSG have tied down long-serving fullback Layvin Kurzawa to a new contract at the club. This explains the Ligue 1 champions withdrawing their interest from making a move for Telles.
The 27-year old Porto star has impressed with his performances in the Primeira Liga for his side. Moreover, Tellas has displayed quality showings in the UEFA Champions League as well. He has made one appearance so far for the Brazilian national team and is tipped to be the ideal successor to the ageing Marcelo at left-back for the Seleção.
Telles has conveyed to the Porto management that he would not sign a new contract with the Portuguese side. The Brazilian’s current contract with FC Porto expires at the end of the 2020-21 season, following which the player would become a free agent.
In the event of Telles becoming a free agent, FC Porto would lose out on a significant amount of money that the team can earn by allowing the player to leave this summer. The 27-year old defender has a €40m release clause in his existing contract with the Dragons.
If Lampard is successful in signing Telles, the Brazilian would be a worthy replacement of Marcos Alonso at the left-back spot for Chelsea FC. Alonso’s inconsistent form has led to Lampard being desperate for a new defensive acquisition in the summer.
