Maurizio Sarri Identifies Players He Wants At Stamford Bridge

JAMES BENSON

Chelsea are interested in signing Kostas Manolas if snaring Kalidou Koulibaly proves impossible.

That’s according to Italian transfer guru Alfredo Pedulla, who says Chelsea have already made contact with Manolas’ representatives.

Chelsea are set for a summer of change with Maurizio Sarri lined up to take Antonio Conte’s place in the Stamford Bridge dugout.

Sarri is planning to make defensive signings once he takes charge in west London, with a pair of new centre-backs on his wish list.

Sarri is said to have identified Juventus ace Daniele Rugani as a target as he prepares to replace Conte at Chelsea.

And he would also like to raid Napoli for Koulibaly, who is currently away on Senegal duty at the World Cup.

Chelsea could look to strike a deal with Napoli, who are owed compensation for Sarri, which involves Koulibaly.

However, Alfredo Pedulla has revealed Chelsea have a contingency plan in place in case the agreement with Napoli means they are barred from buying Koulibaly.

Pedulla reckons Chelsea have reignited their interest in Roma‘s Manolas and are willing to pay up his £33m release clause.

Chelsea have apparently made their keenness on Manolas known by making contact with his representatives regarding a move. And their interest in the Greece international appears to be driven by Sarri, who’s believed to be a fan of his.

Chelsea may be forced to go for a number of alternative targets depending on the deal they secure with Napoli for Sarri. Raul Albiol, Elseid Hysaj and Piotr Zielinski have all been tipped to swap Napoli for Chelsea this summer.

But Napoli could move to stop Chelsea meeting their release clauses when discussing Sarri’s Stamford Bridge switch.