Chelsea are planning a huge investment in their squad this summer with Romelu Lukaku and Joao Cancelo their prime targets, according to reports.
According to Yahoo Sports, Chelsea have identified Valencia full-back Joao Cancelo as a priority target this summer. Cancelo joined Valencia back in 2015 after a successful year on loan with Los Che in a deal reportedly worth £13 million.
He has since become a key member of the Valencia side and his performances for the La Liga team has piqued the interest of top European clubs. Cancelo has been one of Valencia’s most consistent performers over the last two seasons and his performances saw him earn a call up to the Portugal national side last year.
Chelsea have been on the look out for full-backs and have been linked with moves for a number of players including Faouzi Ghoulam and Sead Kolasinac. Although the former two are left-backs, Antonio Conte is looking to add some depth to both flanks and Cancelo would be a good addition to the side given his quality.
Yahoo claim that Chelsea attempted to sign Cancelo in the winter transfer window but were rebuffed by Valencia who were intent to keep a hold of the Portuguese international until the end of the season, especially given their struggles in the La Liga.
However, they state that a bid of £25.5 million would be enough to persuade Valencia to sell come the summer, but it may not be as straightforward as that. Cancelo was reported to have already agreed terms with Barcelona back in December and while there has been no confirmation from any of the three parties Barcelona have been tracking the right-back for a while now.
The Catalans are still having trouble replacing Dani Alves, although Aleix Vidal has slowly started to grow into his role and Sergi Roberto has been ever-present in the side. The Blaugrana are still looking for a long-term solution, however, and Cancelo has apparently been on their radar for a while.
Cancelo is one of the most highly-rated full-backs in Spain and has great dribbling and passing ability, but is also a strong defender. He plays primarily as a right-back but has also played at right midfield on occasion this season.
The Portuguese international is also an adept defender, and has been registering an impressive 2.46 tackles, 2.52 interceptions and 1.29 clearances per 90 minutes in the La Liga this season, according to Squawka. This kind of all-round ability is exactly what Conte looks for in his full-backs and it is no surprise Chelsea are monitoring the Valencia full back.
His versatility is also something that is sure to attract Antonio Conte, who will be looking for competition and back-up for Victor Moses, who has been a revelation at right wing-back this season. All of 22, Cancelo could potentially form an important part of Chelsea’s side for years to come.
