Chelsea plotting to sign £70m star in first big-money move of the Alonso era

After a nightmare Premier League campaign ended without European qualification, Chelsea have instantly set their sights on £70m Sporting CP defender Maxi Araujo.

Chelsea plotting first big-money move for Alonso

It was a damning campaign for those at Stamford Bridge. They’re now three seasons into the BlueCo project and are set to enter next season without Champions League football, without Europa League football and even without a place in the Europa Conference League. It’s not for a lack of investment, either. That’s the most worrying aspect of it all.

Xabi Alonso’s arrival desperately needs to change things. He’s the fifth permanent manager in the last three years, but has a record which suggests he could finally be the one to get this project moving.

Investment from those at the top will only continue too, perhaps starting with a much-needed defender. According to Caught Offside, Chelsea are now plotting a move to sign Araujo from Sporting this summer.

The talented left-back reportedly has a release clause worth £70m and has also attracted interest from Manchester City. That is the level he’s operating at.

It would be quite the first move for Alonso if the Blues managed to swoop in ahead of Man City and perhaps former manager Enzo Maresca in the coming months.

If those in West London are looking to hand Marc Cucurella some strong competition, then Araujo is certainly a good choice. The South American is almost a carbon copy of the Spaniard and is at the peak of his powers at 26 years old.

Add on the fact that he can also play as a winger, and Alonso may have a wingback in the making in the big-money Chelsea target.

£70m Araujo would be perfect fit for Chelsea

Replacing Cucurella would be some challenge for Araujo. The Chelsea left-back isn’t going anywhere anytime soon and was arguably their most consistent performer across the campaign. And without European football, games won’t exactly be coming thick and fast.

What should help is his aforementioned ability to play as a winger. At a time when Chelsea’s wide men are under so much scrutiny, Araujo could provide an unexpected solution.

Whilst reports have indicated that Chelsea are unlikely to trigger the defender’s £70m release clause, they could still test Sporting’s resolve at a cut-price. For a player who would be the perfect fit for Alonso’s back five, it would certainly be worth the long pursuit.

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