5 players Chelsea should try to sign before the end of January

Chelsea Manager Antonio Conte during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Southampton at Stamford Bridge, London, England on 16 Dec 2016. (Photo by Kieran Galvin/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Chelsea Manager Antonio Conte during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Southampton at Stamford Bridge, London, England on 16 Dec 2016. (Photo by Kieran Galvin/NurPhoto via Getty Images) /
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TURIN, ITALY – DECEMBER 23: Alex Sandro of Juventus competes for the ball with Radja Nainggolan of AS Roma during the serie A match between Juventus and AS Roma at Allianz Stadium on December 23, 2017 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino – Juventus FC/Juventus FC via Getty Images)
TURIN, ITALY – DECEMBER 23: Alex Sandro of Juventus competes for the ball with Radja Nainggolan of AS Roma during the serie A match between Juventus and AS Roma at Allianz Stadium on December 23, 2017 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino – Juventus FC/Juventus FC via Getty Images) /

Alex Sandro

Chelsea’s interest in the Brazilian left-back is well documented and comes as no surprise. The Blues wanted to bring Sandro in during the summer, but couldn’t reach an agreement with Juventus and the move never materialized. It seems as though talks have stalled again over the price, but the widow is still open for two more weeks. It’s no secret Chelsea are searching for depth at the left wing-back position, and they’re very keen on Sandro. The move makes sense for both sides; Sandro wants a move and prefers England, and Chelsea need depth on the left side of their back line. So what’s the hold up?

The price seems to be the final hurdle, as per usual. But Chelsea are more desperate now than they were in the summer so they’ll likely budge more on the price this time around. Also, it is becoming more and more obvious that Sandro wants out as he continues to refuse a contract extension. Perhaps that is extra incentive for Juventus to find a deal for the star. He has served the club well, but the signs are pointing toward an exit.

The only downside is the fact Sandro, like Cavani, can’t play for Chelsea in the Champions League. That might limit what Chelsea are willing to spend, but given his quality and the fact he’s still only 26, making a move now would still be beneficial. They could use a player of his quality, and the long-term benefits, not to mention the short-term benefits in the league, justify paying whatever Juve are asking.