Chelsea are close to a £61 million deal with Juventus for Alex Sandro, according to a report in The Times.
The mega-money offer from the London club would make the 26-year-old the most expensive defender in the world and smash Chelsea’s previous record fee of £50m for Fernando Torres.
The newspaper claims that the Brazilian left-back told Juventus on Sunday that he was interested in a move to London, despite the Turin club’s efforts to tie him to the club for another season.
The Times revealed that the Serie A outfit have tried to persuade the full-back to remain at the club by offering to increase his £75,000-a-week wage – although it is said that he expects to double these at Chelsea.
It is said that Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is hopeful of agreeing a deal with the Brazil international within the week, and that he’s keen on securing Sandro as the club’s first choice wing back over Marcos Alonso.
Chelsea look to have made the mega-money offer after reports earlier in the month claimed that a £52 million bid for the defender had been rejected by the Italian giants.
The 26-year old was a key contributor to Juventus’ sixth consecutive Serie A title after the left-back made a total of 43 appearances for the club, netting three goals and providing seven assists.
The Juventus defender joined during the summer from FC Porto in 2015 for £22 million, and has since been used in a variety of positions by boss Massimiliano Allegri including left-midfield and on the left of an attacking trio, in addition to his usual full-back spot.
Sandro has been capped six times for Brazil and played the full 90 minutes in their latest game against Australia.