According to reports, Chelsea have joined the race to sign AFC Ajax’s star defender Davinson Sanchez emerging as a massive disruption for their London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, who have been keen to land the Colombian for quite some time now.
The Eredivisie giants would be understandably reluctant in letting one of their best talents leave and has made it quite clear that any such possibility looks slim. A club source told Sky Sports, “Last year Sanchez signed a five-year contract and we don’t want to let him go. That’s what [sporting director] Marc Overmars has told the player and his agents. He is a great player who is very important for us. Next, to that, we never comment on rumours regarding transfers.”
Their almost successful Europa League campaign threw open the footballing world to the plethora of talents the club has at their disposal and they had to part ways with Davy Klaassen soon who decided to move to Everton. Apparently, Sanchez hasn’t hidden his desire to play in the Premier League from the club and is willing to make the move.
A move to Chelsea would be as big as it gets as the South American will be playing at the highest level. The Blues have started their title defence in the worst way possible as not only did they lose their opening game to Burnley, but will be without Gary Cahill and Cesc Fabregas for their next big game against Tottenham Hotspur.
Many had questioned Antonio Conte’s decision to sell Nathan Ake and loan off Kurt Zouma this summer and the manager might have a tough time answering them now. Although full-back Cesar Azpilicueta has already established himself as prominent centre-half last season, Conte would still need an option on the bench to provide competition and increase squad depth at the back.
21-year-old Sanchez could be the perfect fit for that role, who is determined to make an impression and learn under the tutelage of David Luiz and Gary Cahill. His quality at the back is undeniable and his brilliant recovery pace makes him a rare breed of centre half.
Ajax had landed him from Colombian side Atlético Nacional for just £4 million and his huge demand could definitely help Ajax recoup five times that amount at least. Whether the side is sitting deep to absorb pressure or pushing up with a tremendous highline, Sanchez would be an ideal player to have.
His frame of 187cm also makes him a suitable player for the Premier League, and his vision also enables him to create goals from the back. Chelsea have already spent over £130 million this summer in getting Rudiger, Tiemoue Bakayoko and Alvaro Morata and are willing to shell out more to escape a repeat of their 2015-16 campaign.
