Chelsea plot move to sign £32m Arsenal target

While both Manchester United and Arsenal are on the lookout to strengthen their defensive back-line in the upcoming winner transfer window, reports from English Media outlet METRO have suggested that Chelsea too have joined the list. The report claims that the Blues have targeted both Arsenal and United target Aymeric Laporte from Spanish side Athletic Bilbao. Laporte has been a key figure for the Basque based club and his dominant presence in the central defense last season helped the Lions grab a Champions league spot.

Laporte however has a whopping £32m release clause. So isn’t it far fetched for Chelsea to pay huge a price for a 20 year old who relatively has no experience in the Premier League. Moreover the Blues also have Kurt Zouma in their squad while Cesar Azpilicueta can also play in at right back as Branislav Ivanovic can be deployed in the centre back position if club captain John Terry decides to retire at the end of the campaign.

Moreover, the premier league leaders have also been linked with Gerrard Pique from Barcelona over the past few days. There is no doubt that Laporte is such a fantastic talent and the Frenchman would like to move to the Premier League if given a chance. Bilbao though are a tough club to deal with, though they sell their key players to keep in tact their balances a move for the player by Chelsea simply makes no sense.

On the other hand, Arsenal, who are desperately in need of a cover to their defensive unit have also been linked with the Bilabao man. Recent reports from Dailystar, claim that, Arsene Wenger has earmarked Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte as his first-choice January transfer target, while Manchester United are also on the look out.