Premier League Champions Chelsea are considering making an offer for 27-year-old Sevilla winger Vitolo.
According to a report in the Mirror, Antonio Conte is pondering over a move for the Spanish international winger, who has a £35 million release clause. Conte, who is looking to strengthen his attacking lineup for next season, is reportedly a keen admirer of the former Las Palmas winger.
Besides his blistering pace, finishing ability and eye for a pass, Vitolo’s biggest asset would be his versatility, some Conte would also hold in high regard. Predominantly a right winger, he can play on either wing, as a striker or even as an attacking midfielder.
The 27-year-old has been an integral player for the Andalusians ever since he joined them in 2013. He has gone on to play 177 matches for Sevilla and in that time he has scored 28 goals and registered 45 assists and also helped them to three consecutive UEFA Europa League triumphs.
Last season, the Las Palmas born Vitolo scored 6 goals and set up 10 in 43 appearances over the course of the season and his impressive performances haven’t gone unnoticed and he has courted interest from domestic rivals Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
Vitolo, who reportedly has a contract until 2020, revealed that he was open to a switch to Barcelona, saying: “Who would not want to play for one of Spain’s biggest teams? It would be nice – they are always linked with a lot of names and you don’t know what’s going to happen.”
Chelsea are already spoilt with top wingers in the form of Eden Hazard, Willian and Pedro, but the Blues have 47 definite games to play next season and potentially more, should they go far in their domestic cup competitions and cross the Group stages of the UEFA Champions League.
The Blues will also have the pressure to defend their title and besides that, a number of Chelsea players will be called for their respective nations’ World Cup qualifiers. Needless to say, playing over 55 games is a tall order and the Blues will need more quality personnel in their ranks.
But it remains to be seen whether Vitolo, who turns 28 in November will be willing to move to a side where there will be so much competition for places in the starting XI. He is in the peak years of his career and will want to play as much as possible, something that may not always be possible at Stamford Bridge.
