Marco Asensio has had enough of being snubbed by Real Madrid and will move to Chelsea at the end of the season, according to media reports.
Citing Spanish outlet Don Balon, the newspaper says that 22-year-old Asensio has “confided in Isco about his Stamford Bridge ambitions”. The news is sure to delight Chelsea, who have long been linked to the midfielder and are believed to be ready to meet Real’s asking price of around £50m. The Express adds that Asensio “wants Alvaro Morata’s help to settle into London”.
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But might Chelsea look to cut a deal with Real that would see them taking possession of Asensio while giving the Spanish giants Eden Hazard?
Real were reportedly trying to lure Neymar from PSG last month but have concluded that such a move won’t be possible until next year at the earliest. Their Plan B is Hazard, and the Belgian playmaker is said to be ready to make the move to the Bernabeu.
Meanwhile, there are reports that the Blues are eyeing up Newcastle defender Jamaal Lascelles and could make a move for the 24-year-old in the summer.
The London Evening Standard says that Antonio Conte has been “impressed with Lascelles these past few years” and that he views the English centre-half as the type of stopper who would slot in easily in the Chelsea back four.
Yesterday’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester United highlighted the current deficiencies in the Blues defence, and Lascelles is seen as an ideal replacement for the ageing Gary Cahill and David Luiz.