Chelsea dealt setback in their pursuit to find Alonso alternative

Chelsea have one less backup option if their pursuit of Juventus’s Alex Sandro fails, after Faouzi Ghoulam signed a new four and a half deal at Napoli.

The Blues and Manchester City were reportedly both pursuing the Algerian international whose contract was set to expire at the end of the season.

Ghoulam’s new deal means he will remain at the San Paolo until 2022, but there is no news so far on what the 26 year old’s release clause will be. Reports in Italy have suggested that the left back wanted a buyout fee as low as €18-20m. Whether he has got his way will determine if clubs will return in the summer to land the defender.

The full back is currently out with a serious knee injury he sustained in the Champions League match against City last month, and speculation has subsequently died down in regards to a January move for the player.

Chelsea are said to be keen to strengthen the left wing back position with Marcos Alonso the only recognised senior player who is trusted by manager Antonio Conte. It means a move for Sandro or Porto’s Alex Telles could be on the cards in January.