Chelsea set to hijack Manchester United’s long-term target
Aug 29, 2016 at 10:25 PM
According to reports in French news outlet L’Equipe, Manchester United are all set to get competition from Premier League rivals Chelsea for £25 million rated Monaco right-back Fabinho. The Monaco defender has been heavily linked with the Red Devils in recent weeks and months.
The recent developments in Fabinho’s case indicated that he was close to completing a deal to Old Trafford but so far nothing concrete has materialised yet. With future of Daley Blind, Marcos Rojo and Phil Jones looking uncertain at United, their boss Jose Mourinho was keen to add more players to his backline before the transfer deadline and Fabinho emerged as one of the top targets.
Meanwhile, Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has been desperately trying to bolster his defence since taking charge of the Blues. Chelsea’s back four was one of the big liabilities last term and Conte will be well aware of the fact that he needs new defender if he wants to challenge for the titles. They have been pursuing targets all summer and after the deal for their long-term target Kalidou Koulibaly failed, they are on the lookout for other options.
Antonio Conte has hinted at the possibility of several new arrivals before the deadline, telling Sky Sports on Saturday, “The club and I are working very hard every day to find the right solution in the transfer market because we all know that this transfer market is very crazy.”
Chelsea might emerge as the favourites to land the defender after United boss Mourinho suggested his transfer business may be done for the summer. However, neither club can offer Fabinho Champions League football, which could prove a stumbling block in their pursuit of the defender. Although they can sign the 22-year-old due to their financial powers.