Chelsea and Real Madrid appear are monitoring Bayern Munich defender David Alaba. According to a source, they are likely to face competition from Paris Saint-Germain for his signature as well.
The 28-year-old Austrian could leave Bayern on a free transfer when his contract runs out next summer since the club has withdrawn their contract after talks broke down. It was gathered that Alaba wants to be among the highest earners in the club like Robert Lewandoski and Thoma Muller.
Since there has not been headway concerning a new deal at the Allianz Arena, Alaba who can also play as a center-back or winger is free to negotiate with overseas clubs directly from January 1.
Chelsea wants updated information on Alaba as the monitoring continues
ESPN reports that Chelsea is monitoring his situation as head coach Frank Lampard looks to strengthen his defensive options.
Chelsea is also planning to sign West Half defensive midfielder, Declan Rice provided the Hammers soften their stance during the January window.
After signing veteran center-back Thiago Silva on a one-year deal, Chelsea has an option to extend his deal by a further season. But the situation surrounding Alaba at Bayern has made him to emerge as an intriguing option to further boost his squad depth.
Lampard had already tabled down some players for sale. They include Jorghino and Kovacic. So, there is a likelihood that the size of his squad will be trimmed in future windows. So any pursuit of Alaba may also depend on outgoings.
Following his £50 million arrival from Leicester City, Ben Chilwell has made an impressive start at the club. Lampard is therefore planning to make fellow left-backs Emerson Palmieri and Marcos Alonso available for transfer either next month or at the end of the season.
Chelsea had wanted to sell center-backs Antonio Rudiger and Fikayo Tomori. So the Blues are willing to listen to offers for them.
Both players are unlikely to be allowed to leave in the same window. Tomori has a long-term future at the club. So, Chelsea may loan him out to gain more first-team experience.
Rudiger refused to leave Chelsea as he was determined to fight for his place. The German defender has started just four games all season. It is thought that he is doing this in order to secure a place in the German squad for the Euros.
Alaba would want to earn in excess of £175,000-a-week. This shouldn’t be a problem for the clubs interested in him, especially Chelsea as he would be coming on a transfer fee.
Being a utility player also makes him a cheaper alternative to Rice. West Ham already valued the England international at £80m earlier in the year.
