Harry Diamond
Chelsea are reportedly leading the race to sign David Alaba and believe they are in ‘pole position’ to secure the signing of the Bayern Munich defender on a free transfer.
Alaba has entered the final months of his contract with the European champions and has been unable to agree an extension to his deal, with the Austria international free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs from next month.
Real Madrid and Liverpool are amongst a number of the continent’s leading clubs reportedly monitoring the 28-year-old’s situation, though Chelsea are understood to be confident of securing a deal.
According to the Daily Mail, Frank Lampard is keen to bolster his defensive options despite Chelsea’s recent improvement, with Alaba – comfortable at centre-back and left-back – viewed as a player he can ‘build his defence around’.
Alaba has spent his entire senior career with Bayern and has enjoyed a hugely successful spell with the Bavarians, winning nine Bundesliga titles and two Champions League trophies amongst a wealth of major honours.
The defender has reportedly been demanding a new deal that will move him in line with the club’s highest-paid players, though Bayern have since withdrawn their contract offer after failing to agree terms and a compromise appears unlikely at present.
The uncertainty could now lead to a move to the Premier League and his arrival would be a significant coup for any side on a free transfer, Alaba having forged a reputation as one of world football’s premier defenders in Germany and likely to be amongst the most coveted free agents of the summer window.
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