Chelsea are reportedly looking for a new left-back in the summer with Leicester City’s Ben Chilwell and Porto’s Alex Telles being linked to a move to Stamford Bridge along with Tagliafico of Ajax.
One of either Emerson Palmieri and Marcos Alonso is likely to leave in the summer as both failed to claim a regular spot under Frank Lampard this season.
According to reports, Chelsea have identified Chilwell as the number one target. But the Blues have also listed some alternatives, in case the pursuit of the Leicester City defender meets a dead end.
One of those alternatives is Telles.
Being four years younger, Chilwell (23) will have a higher potential resale value compared to Telles (27).
However, Chelsea will likely have to pay a bigger fee for Chilwell compared to Telles. While Chilwell is under contract with Leicester until 2024, Telles’ deal with Porto will run out in summer 2021.
Reports suggest Chilwell will cost Chelsea around £50 million(€80m). On the other hand, Telles has a £36.5m (€40m) release clause, but with his contract in its final 18 months, Porto will possibly sell for a lower fee .
On-pitch performance comparison
27 year old Tagliafico’s performances for Ajax in recent seasons have not gone unnoticed, with the left-back contributing 5 goals and 7 assists in 38 games this season. His asking price has been reported to be a lowly €25m which makes his signing all the more appealing. Tagliafico can we a good and a comparitavly cheap option.
Defensively, Tagliafico is better than Telles and Chilwell. Tagliafico has won more tackles per game 2. 5 compared to Telles 1.1 and Chilwell 1.6.
If we compare clearances per game Tagliafico is 2.1 slightly better than Chilwell 2.0 and telles 1.2.
Meanwhile, Telles and Tagliafico had the edge in interceptions 1.7 per game to Chilwell’s 1.1.
Offensively is where the biggest difference lies.
Telles has scored eight goals and provided five assists in Primeira Liga, significantly above Chilwell’s three goals and three assists in the Premier League and Tagliafico's three goals and four assists in eredivise.
Telles provided more crosses per game 2.2 to Chilwell’s 0.7, and Tagliafico's 0.6 .
If we consider key passes per game again Telles 1.9 is ahead of both chilwell 1.2 and Tagliafico 1. Shots per game this season Tagliafico is ahead of both with 1.6 shots per game compared to Chilwell 0.6 and Telles 1.4.
Although it must be taken into account that Telles plays for a dominant Porto side in Portugal.Tagliafico was a part of a well organized Ajax under EriK ten Hag.
How long it would take for Telles to adjust to the Premier League if Chelsea were to sign him should also be taken into consideration. On the contrary, Chilwell is well adapted to the league and could be relied upon from the start of the season.
In summary, bringing Telles will be more of a gamble but at the same time, he could be a cheaper and even better alternative to Chilwell. But if Chelsea want a safer, long-term option, persuading Leicester to sell Chilwell is the way to go.
It’s worth noting that Tagliafico has also been rumoured to be a low-cost alternative for Chelsea to the more exorbitantly priced Chilwell, while Manchester City are also seemingly keen on the 27-year-old’s services.
The Argentine international would be expected to make the left-back spot his own if he were to arrive at Stamford Bridge.
Since he joined Ajax in the summer of 2017, Tagliafico has established himself as one of Europe’s most consistent left-backs. He can have an influence in the attacking third yet is defensively solid.
In few days we will know what the Chelsea think tank has decided.
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