Chelsea are expected to wrap up the signing of Brazilian right-back Danilo from Real Madrid early next week. The English champions are thought to have agreed terms with the player and are confident of securing a deal with Madrid imminently.
Chelsea had competition from Juventus, who are seeking a replacement for Dani Alves. The Blues are also negotiating with the Serie A giants over the transfer of left-back Alex Sandro, who is also Brazilian.
The final fee is expected to be in the region of €31m, the same fee Madrid paid to sign Danilo from FC Porto in 2015. Antonio Conte is keen to strengthen his wing-back options with Champions League football again on the agenda for Chelsea.
Madrid initially asked for around €40m, but the deal will likely be settled for slightly less. The player is currently with the La Liga side in Los Angeles on pre-season tour. Danilo has not been able to force his way past first choice Madrid right-back Carvajal.
Danilo has since lost his place in the Brazilian national side and with the World Cup on the horizon, the 26-year old sees a starting spot more likely at Chelsea, with Victor Moses currently occupying the right-wing back position.
Danilo has made 55 appearances since joining Madrid from Porto back in 2015 but the 25-year-old defender is expected to complete a move to Stamford Bridge ahead of the 2017/18 campaign.
Juventus star Alex Sandro remains firmly on Chelsea’s radar but the Serie A giants are demanding a fee of £70m for the left-back.
Moses was a revelation last campaign in the right-wing-back role, but it remains to be seen whether Antonio Conte sees him as a long-term option in that position.
After being a cornerstone in Conte’s back-line last time around, it seems unlikely that the Nigerian would be willing to sit on the bench. Danilo’s impending arrival, however, may well signal trouble ahead for Moses.
