Former Premier League Champions Chelsea, are reportedly targeting Nice defender Youcef Atal. Chelsea are looking to have their two transfer window ban halved, but an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport is yet to be heard. However, the London club are confident they will be active players in the winter transfer window.
Chelsea Target Nice Defender Youcef Atal
Marc Mayo of the Sun is reporting that Chelsea could be major players in the January transfer window. Should their appeal be successful, one of their targets is Nice defender Atal. The 23-year-old fullback played 29 times last season as Nice finished seventh in Ligue 1. He is valued at £35 million.
Blues Will Face Competition
According to calciomercato.com Chelsea could face major competition for his signature. Spanish side Valencia are also monitoring the defender with the hope of clinching his signing. The La Liga side will, therefore, be hoping Chelsea fail in their bid to have their ban halved.
Mixed Start for Frank Lampard
Chelsea have had a mixed start to the current season. In their opening four games, they have won one, drawn two and lost one, leaving them 11th in the table. More worryingly for Lampard is that his side have conceded nine goals in the league so far. They also conceded twice in the Super Cup Final.
Lampard will, therefore, be eager to strengthen his defensive options and Atal reportedly fits the bill. Atal however, will not be an easy deal. He has become a key player for Nice where he is managed by former Arsenal legend Patrick Viera. Atal has also been capped 13 times by his country.
This transfer, like any other identified, will hinge on the outcome of their appeal. Should it fail, they will have to make do with the squad they have and hope the likes of Atal are still available next summer.
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