The summer window is barely open, and the vultures are already circling over Turin. Chelsea have thrown their hat into the ring for Andrea Cambiaso, t...
The summer window is barely open, and the vultures are already circling over Turin. Chelsea have thrown their hat into the ring for Andrea Cambiaso, the Juventus fullback who has rapidly become one of Europe's most coveted wide defenders. GoalZaza understands that the Blues are now preparing a formal approach, hot on the heels of Manchester City's well documented interest last year.For those who watched Cambiaso's development under Max Allegri, this sudden scramble is no surprise. He offers that rare blend of defensive discipline and explosive forward thrust, a player equally comfortable tucking into a low block as he is breaking the lines in transitional play. Pep Guardiola had earmarked him as a long term target to add tactical flexibility to his backline, but City's bid never materialised into a deal. Now Chelsea, desperate to inject some youthful dynamism into their own fullback options, see Cambiaso as the perfect fit for Enzo Maresca's emerging project.Where does this leave Juventus The Old Lady is not in a position to block a substantial offer, not with their well documented financial constraints. But they also know they hold a gem, a player who can operate on either flank and who has already shown he can handle the physical rigours of Serie A. Selling him for anything less than a premium would be a mistake, and one suspects the Bianconeri will drive a hard bargain. After all, the Premier League's cheque book rarely blinks.The question now is whether Chelsea can move quickly enough to beat any renewed interest from City. The Etihad camp have not gone away; they are merely regrouping. If Cambiaso's agent is smart, he will let the auction run its course. For the player himself, the lure of regular football in London versus the chance to learn from Guardiola in Manchester, that is the kind of choice most footballers can only dream of. Squeaky bum time for the sporting directors, but a fascinating subplot for the rest of us.
