Chelsea could reportedly be interested in Bayern Munich centre-back David Alaba.
The Austrian left-back has a contract with Bayern until the summer of 2021, but as per Spanish reporter Guillem Balague (via the Sun), the versatile full-back has been approached by other clubs, and Chelsea are potential contenders as well.
Balague also explained on his YouTube channel that Alaba’s versatility could be a big boost for Frank Lampard at Chelsea,
“He’s been approached by other clubs, yes, but Chelsea will be interested in Alaba and I think that his versatility will really work in favour of Frank Lampard.”
Considering the left-back has been a problematic area for Chelsea, Alaba seems like the perfect player to target.
David Alaba – The solution to Chelsea’s woes
Lampard has got the Blues to play some exciting football this season, and they deserve Champions League football next season. If their finishing and defending in their own half been better, they could have challenged Manchester City for the second spot.
Chelsea have lacked experience at the back, as Antonio Rudiger’s injury hit them hard. Cesar Azpilicueta has done well, but his powers are on the wane as he isn’t getting any younger.
The Blues haven’t had a reliable left-back either, as Emerson Palmieri and Marcos Alonso have been good in patches, but have lacked the consistency and have not shown good defensive calibre.
Alaba has often been praised for his offensive abilities, but defensively, he has been a pretty impressive player for Bayern Munich.
His versatility and athleticism have held him in good stead, and the likes of Pep Guardiola, and current Bayern manager Hansi Flick have used in a more central role. His development in that position can perhaps be compared to Spanish star Sergio Ramos.
Like Ramos, Alaba was a buccaneering full-back when he broke onto the scene, but in the last few years, he has developed well as a defender which is why managers have started playing him more regularly in a more central role.
At Chelsea, he could solve multiple issues owing to his incredible versatility. Before the current season was suspended, Alaba featured 20 times in the Bundesliga for the Bavarians, and 18 of those came as a central defender.
Still only 27, Alaba is in the prime years of his career and considering his contract expires next summer, Chelsea can get him for a decent enough fee. A signing they should definitely pursue.