Incoming Chelsea boss looks to hijack move for international stopper

Chelsea’s managerial situation looks set to finally be resolved with the imminent appointment of former Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri and he’s already said to be eyeing a move for a new goalkeeper.

With Belgium international Thibaut Courtois widely being linked with an exit from Stamford Bridge, with Champions League winners Real Madrid reportedly keen, Sarri is lining-up a move for a new first-choice stopper in West London.

According to Gazzetta Dello Sport, cited by The Sun, Sarri has identified Roma’s Brazil international Alisson as the ideal recruit in the market – and intends to beat the likes of Liverpool and Real Madrid to the South American stopper.

25-year-old Alisson has excelled in Rome, helping his side reach the semi-finals of the Champions League, and is valued at a mammoth £60m by the Serie A side – which Chelsea may struggle to match due to Financial Fair Play implications from their absence from the Champions League next term.

However, a sale of Courtois would raise funds in the market for Chelsea to spend.