Chelsea fight it out with Premier League rivals for Sanchez signature

Posted on June 14th, 2011 by Chelsea D

Chelsea have a hard task on their hands if they are to secure the signature of talented Udinese youngster Alexis Sanchez, with both Manchester clubs, Real Madrid and Barcelona all interested in the Chilean forward.

Having helped his side to Champions League qualification this season, the 22-year-old will cost around £30 million – an astronomical figure given his in relative inexperience at tope European clubs, and a fee which Roman Abramovich may be reluctant to part with.

Sanchez’s performances this season have led to a host of clubs turning their attention to North East Italy, and speculation remains rife across Europe, and Chelsea are said to be one of the club who have contacted the Serie A side over the possibility of a move.

His position on the right wing with attacking tendencies will inevitably bring comparisons with ex-Manchester United winger Christiano Ronaldo. Sanchez’s skills on the ball and his attacking prowess has earned him a reputation as one of the hottest young prospects in world football, and having forged his reputation with a series of outstanding performances at the World Cup, the young forward looks destined to be joining Ronaldo in the small group of elite footballers in Europe.

Chelsea were reportedly keen on bringing Sanchez to Stamford Bridge in January, but Udinese insisted on keeping their star-player as they went in search of a top-four finish, and now the club are football betting outsiders to land the player.

Worryingly for Chelsea fans, Udinese’s President Franco Soldati revealed he had spoken to Manchester United, Manchester City and Barcelona, but failed to mention the Blues.

“We have had contact with Manchester United and Manchester City, but at the moment Barcelona have made the best proposal.” He commented

With the player in his home country ahead of the Copa America, no decision is expected on his future for the time being, but according to the Mirror, Abramovich is keeping up to date with the latest developments in what is shaping up to be the biggest transfer battle of the season, and the same paper also report that Barcelona, the club football bets are backing in the race for Sanchez’s signature, are struggling to match the £30 million price tag.

The Catalan club have debts of around €500 million and have abandoned their policy of using Unicef as their shirt sponsor in order to publicise the charity, and will use the logos of the Qatar Foundation  next season.

While Chelsea’s Russian owner is unlikely to be ecstatic at playing such a high fee for the youngster, he is keen to continue with the club’s policy of gradually replacing older members of the Chelsea squad with fresh blood – and has the money to back his ruthless pursuit of the Champions League.

 

Written by Thomas Rooney

Filed under: Reader's post, Rumours, Transfers

« »


11 Responses to “Chelsea fight it out with Premier League rivals for Sanchez signature”

  1. terrymorg, on June 14th, 2011 at 12:24 Said:

    selling droga will be a huge mistake that chelsea are going to make,look at it this way last time chelsea sell ballack,deco,and the rest and all till now chelsea are still suffering from this players will they fail to replace,which striker can chelsea buy that will be better than droga and chelsea knows is making mount when it comes to transfer market.roman i now u re the owner but not the coach then stop buying player that the coach those not want.let d coach decides on who to bring into d team

  2. Alan Frank, on June 14th, 2011 at 13:10 Said:

    Depending on which paper you read as to Udinese’s President Franco Soldati’s ‘latest comment’? Today it is being reported by Saldati that Man City are favourites to sign Sanchez? It should be remembered that Saldati paid 2m euros for Sanchez (who earns a meagre 750 euros a season at Udinese). The Italian clubs average gates are a mere 17,000. The guy is plainly resigned to losing Sanchez this summer and is trying desperately to hike the price up. Sanchez is a wonderful young talent and should be Roman Abramovich’s very top priority signing. He paid £50m for Torres and should be prepared to pay at least £45m for Sanchez if that is what it is going to take. At 22 years of age and an established Chilian international he is one of a very small group of World players that could go on to be the very best player in the World.

  3. Alan Frank, on June 14th, 2011 at 13:13 Said:

    Mods, could you please change the 750 euros I mention to 750,000 euros pa please. Sorry my mistake.

  4. Ifeanyi isaac, on June 14th, 2011 at 14:21 Said:

    Sanchez would b a great addition.plz let mr abramovic speed up d signing of guss.offering drogba 4 modric is a fantastic idea.blues 4 life.4rm russia with luv

  5. mike, on June 14th, 2011 at 16:12 Said:

    Chelsea need this kid or hulk on the right . The pastore or modric. Get nzobia value for money

  6. Michael nwosu, on June 14th, 2011 at 16:45 Said:

    Chelsea owner should mind himself and stop making us fans 2 have high blood pressure let him go ahead and buy players instead of carrying rumours or should blame d media 4 d problems. Pls tell us chelsea latest transfer.

  7. gary, on June 14th, 2011 at 20:19 Said:

    CHELSEA JUST NEED 4 PLAYERS:
    NEYMAR (a creative, tricky, striker/midfielder) for Anelka or Malouda
    PASTORE (a creative midfielder) for Essien or Benayoun
    VAN DE WIEL (a tricky, fast, right wingback) for Bosingwa or Ferreira
    SUBOTIC (a 6ft3 goal scoring central defender) phased in slowly for Terry

  8. Peter mwangi, on June 14th, 2011 at 21:02 Said:

    1st priority is de manager,lukaku,mayb neymar,sanchez,en me.

  9. Bren Allen, on June 14th, 2011 at 22:22 Said:

    The manager should be 1st priority ,then hopefully he will decide on which players should be bought and not the owner.In my opinion we do need some younger players,two wingers with pace and to give us width.Also we require a QUALITY right back.The only other position I would bring in is a play-maker/striker. As to the names of these players I have no preference as long as they are good players but that does not mean the most expensive.

  10. niels uni, on June 15th, 2011 at 08:17 Said:

    we need a better backup keeper, someone to challenge Cech. That should be a priority.

  11. Samdon, on June 17th, 2011 at 08:06 Said:

    If chelsea sigin sarnshez it will be verey good player to the club and to the fans