Why David Alaba to Chelsea would be an excellent move
Chelsea’s need for a top-class left-back is well-established, given Marcos Alonso’s inconsistent form and Emerson Palmieri’s desire for a move back to Italy (h/t Daily Express).
Meanwhile, David Alaba has been in the Bayern Munich set-up for more than a decade, with only a brief loan spell to 1899 Hoffenheim breaking up his time there. He has won eight league titles, four Pokals and a Champions League title. He has survived countless different managerial regimes and continues to be one of the senior members of the dressing room but The Mirror has claimed that Chelsea will test their resolve to keep him.
Alonso has been all but out of the picture so far, which is symptomatic of his decline since Antonio Conte’s departure. Brazilian-born Italian international Emerson Palmieri has also failed to make a lasting impression on Lampard, despite his run in the side early in the season.
Lampard has resorted to switching club captain Cesar Azpilicueta from right-back to left-back in order to cover the position. English youngster Reece James has slotted into the right-back role with quiet confidence – showing real promise for the future.
Right now, Chelsea are free to buy players again this month after their transfer ban was lifted.
Alaba won his eighth Bundesliga title with the Bavarian giants last season but this term, Bayern are in third place – just four points off the top. For a club with such high expectations, being part of the chasing pack isn’t what they’re used to.
The Austrian was the youngest ever player to be capped by his country at just 17. Now 27, Alaba still has some of his best years ahead of him and would lend experience to a young Chelsea squad.
The 27-year-old has just 18 months of his contract at the Allianz Arena remaining, meaning Bayern could cash in on him now rather than selling him on a cheaper deal in the summer. As far as Chelsea are concerned, Alaba would be a statement signing.
Debuting for Bayern’s first team in 2010, Alaba has since made 250 Bundesliga appearances, scoring 22 goals and jotting 25 assists. This season, he’s featured 17 times for the champions throughout all competitions.
Verdict
When you look at the list of Chelsea left-backs since Ashley Cole, no player has been able to nail down the spot in particular and the names range from the obscure to the inappropriate: Patrick van Aanholt, Filipe Luis, Ryan Bertrand, Cesar Azpilicueta and Victor Moses.
Thus, Alaba, who is good enough to play central midfield for Austria, would be an excellent replacement.
