Juventus are keeping tabs on left back Faouzi Ghoulam’s contract situation at Napoli, according to Calciomercato.com. The news could impact on Chelsea’s pursuit of a left back signing in a couple of ways.
Ghoulam is available on a free transfer in the summer, and Juve may be considering the Algerian international if they can’t sign Alex Sandro up to a new contract. The Brazilian is reportedly close to signing a new four and half year deal with the Bianconeri worth €5m a season, but the Serie A club’s interest in Ghoulam may suggest Chelsea do have a chance with another bid for Sandro.
It could also be the case that Juve want Ghoulam, as well as keeping Sandro. If that is the case that may be an issue for Chelsea as the Blues are reportedly interested in the Napoli full back as an alternative to Sandro.
Due to the fallout after Gonzalo Higuain’s controversial switch from Napoli to Juventus in 2016, neither club will now do business with each other directly, but if Ghoulam is out of contract, Napoli would be powerless to do anything about it.
Still, if it comes down to a straight fight between Chelsea and Juve for Ghoulam, the Blues’ financial muscle would likely win out.
