According to a recent report by A Bola (via The Daily Express), Chelsea are actively looking to sign a new left-back to replace Marcos Alonso, who is surplus to requirements at West London. The club have identified FC Porto full-back Alex Telles as a potential option.
The same source has also stated that the Pensioners have kept tabs on the Brazilian defender for a long time and are now prepared to acquire his services with his contract at Porto running out at the end of the next campaign.
Telles’ Outstanding Spell In The Portuguese Top-Flight
The ex-Gremio youngster has enjoyed another majestic season in the Liga NOS after he put in a string of productive displays for Sérgio Conceição’s team across all competitions. He has scored five goals and provided eight assists in 28 matches on all fronts. Telles has averaged 1.5 tackles, 1.2 interceptions, 1.1 clearances, 1.1 shots, 2.4 key passes and 0.5 dribbles per game for the Portuguese giants this season (stats via whoscored).
The Brazilian full-back has made a total of 171 appearances for Porto, registering 16 goals and 51 assists in the process. He has also earned a senior cap for the Brazilian national side thus far. The 27-year-old has been an incredible asset for the Liga NOS outfit, but he might benefit from a move away from Portugal to play at the highest level week in week out.
What Does The Brazilian Defensive Ace Bring To The Table?
Telles has blistering pace, which allows him to make some darting runs down the left flank. He excels at dribbling with the ball and can whip in some dangerous crosses into the opposition box. Furthermore, the Brazilian talent can accurately link-up play with others around him and is also a free-kick specialist. His productivity going forward over the past few years has been nothing short of sensational, so Chelsea will do well to snap him up in the future.
Will Telles Be A Decent Option For Lampard’s Side?
Acquiring a quality left-back of Telles’ ilk will undoubtedly be a massive coup for the Pensioners if they can find a way to lure him to Stamford Bridge. Lampard needs to add more quality to his backline, so it makes a lot of sense for the former England international to orchestrate a move to land the Brazilian full-back.
Telles will be an excellent choice for the West London giants as his experience of playing in the UEFA Champions League will help this young Chelsea team compete in Europe in the coming years.
