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Transfers
Should Chelsea make a £26million summer move for Valencia’s Joao Cancelo?
Reports in claim that Chelsea could make a summer approach for Valencia right-back Joao Cancelo, with the Spanish club believed to be open to any offer that exceeds £25.6 million. The Portuguese international has caught the eye with his performances at Mestalla since a move from Benfica in 2014. Comparisons could easily be drawn with Marcos Alonso, with Cancelo also capable of playing on the left if needed, and with a move likely this summer, he could soon become teammates with the Spaniard.
What would he bring to Stamford Bridge?
Cancelo would be the perfect fit for the right wing back role that Victor Moses currently fills. The 22-year-old can play anywhere alongside the right hand side, from full-back to out and out winger, and has pace and drive to get forward. That said, he is fairly solid defensively and has improved on his defensive positioning that previously saw him caught out at times. With just one assist in 22 games this season, the statistics may not be the most exciting for Chelsea fans, but his crossing is superb and with a quality striker like Diego Costa in front of him, that tally would soar.
Is a move likely?
Very. Valencia have developed a reputation as a selling club and were happy to allow key players like Paco Alcacer and Andre Gomes to leave last summer. Cancelo is not as important as them but is unlikely to be happy to be fighting relegation as Los Che have done this season. Barcelona are also said to be interested, but Chelsea should be able to outdo them financially both with their offer to Valencia and the financial package for the player, which could be the key to securing his signing.
Verdict
Definitely. Cancelo may not quite be the finished package yet, but rotating him with Victor Moses on the right hand side could be the perfect scenario for Antonio Conte. Offering more defensive stability and with experience in Spain and Portugal, he is the kind of signing that the club should be looking to make as they prepare for the Champions League next season. At £25 million, it may be a significant outlay, but long term it should pay off.
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