Chelsea close in on world record deal for Juventus star

Chelsea are on the verge of making Juventus star Alex Sandro the most expensive defender of all-time in a £61m deal, reports The London Evening Standard.

Antonio Conte has earmarked Sandro as a top transfer target as he looks to build on Chelsea’s Premier League winning success last season and they are now edging closer to completing a hugely ambitious deal.

The Brazil international has developed into one of the best full backs in Europe since joining Juventus from Porto for £21m in 2015 and Chelsea are even willing to shatter the record for a defender to bring him to Stamford Bridge.

While Juventus have reiterated their desire to keep Sandro, they have already conceded they would not stand in the way of a player's desire to move and the left-back has told the Serie A champions he wants to join Chelsea.

Max Allegri’s side have even tabled an improved contract to convince the 26-year-old to stay at the J Stadium but they can’t afford to match Chelsea’s £150,000-a-week offer.

Paris Saint-Germain currently hold the record after paying Chelsea £50m to sign David Luiz in 2014 and Conte’s side now look certain to be involved in another record breaking deal for a defender.

Sandro finished last season as Juventus’ highest rated player in Serie A (7.63) after playing a direct hand in seven goals (three goals, four assists).

For more stats on Alex Sandro, click here to visit his WhoScored player page