Chelsea target Aymeric Laporte

May 10, 2017
By: Milos Markovic

Premier League champions-elect Chelsea have been linked with a couple of standout defensive names eyed to replace long-serving captain John Terry at the end of the season at Stamford Bridge.

One of the latest names to be thrown into the mix is the highly-talented Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte, ESPN has learned.

The 23-year-old France U21 international has reportedly been made the top priority for Antonio Conte’s team, even though the host of other Europe’s biggest clubs have also expressed interest in Laporte’s services.

Bilbao defender has been previously linked with a move to Manchester City, but Laporte himself rejected approaches from Citizens before signing a contract extension with Basque side to remain at San Mames until 2020.

Athletic Bilbao are in no rush to sell their prizes asset, but could be tempted to part ways with Laporte for the right price.

The Basque club would insist that a €65 million release clause is met and Chelsea could step up the chase before the price goes up to €70 million from 2018/19 onwards as stipulated in his latest deal with Athletic Bilbao.

Chelsea hope that the prospect of Champions League football and luxurious life in London would be enough of incentives to persuade Laporte to make a summer move to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea are coming off from a comfortable win over Middlesbrough last time out and will have a chance to clinch the Premier League title in the next round at West Brom.

The Blues have been given the price of 2.10 (11/10) to win to Nil at the Hawthorns on Friday.

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