Faouzi Ghoulam on Antonio Conte’s growing list of transfer target as Chelsea boss plans for extending squad for Champions League
Blues have benefited from a settled XI that a lack of European football has allowed them to do but they’re destined to return
CHELSEA have eyes on flying Napoli left wing-back Faouzi Ghoulam as Antonio Conte targets a host of exciting new signings but face a battle with Bayern Munich.
With just a few tweaks to the side that bombed last season, the Italian has his side racing away with the Premier League title and he’ll be rewarded with big funds in both upcoming transfer windows to build the squad for next season’s Champions League demands.
The Blues have clearly benefited from sticking to a settled XI - that a total lack of European football has allowed them to do – but they’re destined to return to the competition next season when they will been a couple of stars in each position.
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Marcos Alonso has been a surprise star down the left flank in Conte’s 3-4-3 formation and 25-year-old Ghoulam would be a quality back-up addition.
The Algeria international has helped his side up to third this season and is regarded as one of the best crossers in Serie A, which Diego Costa would thrive on.
Ghoulam has just 18 months of his contract in Italy remaining so would not break the bank of Roman Abramovich.
Bundesliga bosses Bayern have reportedly offered the left-sided ace a four-year deal worth £2.5-a-year.
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But the Blues could easily match that and offer the African the chance to compete in the Premier League.
Conte looked at the defender last season when arrived but the club prioritised deals for David Luiz, Alonso and N’Golo Kante.
But the gaffer has earned the right to pick and choose a few of his own signings and could swoop for Ghoulam in the next 12 months.