Barcelona Add Porto Defender Alex Telles to Summer Shortlist Amid Chelsea Interest
By Tom Gott
Barcelona have identified Porto left-back Alex Telles as one of four signings they would like to make this summer.
The Brazilian will enter the final year of his contract at the Estádio do Dragão this summer and he is yet to show any signs of wanting to extend his stay at the club, prompting rumours that he will be sold this summer.
According to Sport, Barcelona have joined the race for the Brazilian's signature, with manager Quique Setién said to be keen to strengthen the left side of his defence.
It's a bit of a weird one, given Jordi Alba is still a thing. The Spaniard penned a new five-year deal in early 2019 and has been a core part of Setién's side, so there does not seem to be a place for Telles in the team.
It is noted that current backup Junior Firpo could be sold after failing to impress in his debut season at Camp Nou, but it's hard to imagine Telles settling for a spot on the bench behind Alba, whose contract doesn't expire until 2024.
87' GOLAAAAAÇO! Bomba de Alex Telles de fora da área para o fundo da baliza do Portimonense! #FCPorto |1-0| #FCPPSC pic.twitter.com/ir2itJjRLY
— FC Porto (@FCPorto) February 23, 2020
Barcelona have already reached out to his representatives to see whether Telles would be interested in making the move, and they have learned that he will likely be available for less than his €40m release clause, with Porto keen to avoid losing him for free in 2021. In Telles' favour, he also has an Italian passport, meaning he would not need to take up a non-EU berth in Barça's squad.
Chelsea are named as fierce competition for Telles' signature, but just how much the Blues actually want him is up for debate.
A source has confirmed to 90min that Telles may not be Chelsea's top target, with Frank Lampard's side instead keen to spend the majority of their transfer kitty on a new striker and centre-back.
Goal add that Chelsea have focused their efforts on signing Leicester City's Ben Chilwell, and they are optimistic of being able to convince him to make the move. However, Leicester's asking price - believed to be over £80m - is a real concern.
Telles is a potential alternative, but Barcelona's interest could force Chelsea to look elsewhere in their search for a new left-back.