Chelsea ready to trigger £25m release clause for Sweden and Benfica star
22 June 2016 - UEFA EURO 2016 - Group E - Sweden v Belgium -The Sweden starting lineup (L-R) Andreas Granqvist, Albin Ekdal, Kim Kallstrom, Erik Johansson, goalkeeper Andreas Isaksson, Zlatan Ibrahimovich, Victor Lindelof, Marcus Berg, Martin Olsson, Sebastian Larsson and Emil Forsberg - Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.
Chelsea have reportedly turned their attentions in trying to sign Sweden international defender Victor Lindelof, according to the Daily Express.
The Premier League side, who host West Ham United in their opening 2016/17 English top-flight fixture on August 15, have been linked with the Benfica centre-half after seemingly giving up on their pursuit of Italy and Juventus star Leonardo Bonucci.
New Blues boss Conte – Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.
The 22-year-old, who has six international caps for his country and featured for Sweden at this summer’s European Championships in France, scored one goal in 30 appearances in all competitions for the Liga NOS giants last season.
Lindelof, who is understood to have a £25m release clause with the Portuguese outfit, is wanted by new Blues boss Antonio Conte in order to strengthen his side’s defensive ranks ahead of the new term.
Former Italy head coach Conte was very keen on bringing in new one target Bonucci to Stamford Bridge this summer, but Juve’s resilience over the 29-year-old’s services has led Chelsea to seek an alternative plan.