Italian transfer guru Gianluca Di Marzio took part in an interesting questions and answers sessions via video link for Sky Sports yesterday.
Di Marzio is often considered as one of the most reliable reporters when talking about transfers, and he mentioned Chelsea’s plans on a couple of occasions.
First he spoke about the widely reported pursuit of Dries Mertens, where he confirmed that Frank Lampard has spoken to the forward about making a move to Chelsea.
He said:
“In January, they offered €10m despite his contract ending in June. But Napoli said no because they wanted him to break the club’s record of goals.
“Now his contract is ending and, in this moment, he is not renewing with Napoli. The deal with Napoli is in a difficult way and I know Chelsea want him again.
“They are talking to his representatives, Frank Lampard has spoken to the player and they are pushing forward to convince Mertens to accept their offer.”
Then came the subject of the left back area, an area that Lampard is widely reported to want to strengthen.
However, Di Marzio believes that he will only bring in a new left back, if it is a swap deal with either Inter or Juventus, who have both shown an interest in signing The Blues current left back options, Emerson Palmieri and Marcos Alonso.
Di Marzio gives an example of the kind of deal that will need to happen, suggesting that Chelsea could swap Emerson for Alex Sandro of Juventus, a player they have had a long standing interest in.
He said:
“They have two very good left-backs – one who is very, very good and that is Emerson Palmieri and the other being Marco Alonso.
“It depends a lot on Emerson. In January, Inter asked for Alonso and Emerson. They asked for around £45m to sell one of the two players…they consider these players important to Chelsea.
“It depends on some possible swap deals, which could be done with Inter and Juventus. For example Emerson for Juventus’ Alex Sandro.
“Chelsea can find another left-sided player, but through a swap deal. Otherwise, Chelsea will keep Emerson and Alonso.”
