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Chelsea transfer news: Big problem in Drinkwater talks, Llorente setback - Solhekol
CHELSEA are still in talks with Leicester and Swansea over deals for Danny Drinkwater and Fernando Llorente, according to Kaveh Solhekol.
Drinkwater has the ability to play for Chelsea says Schwarzer
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is desperate to strengthen his options in midfield after seeing Nemanja Matic, Nathaniel Chalobah and Ruben Loftus-Cheek leave Stamford Bridge this summer.
And Leicester midfielder Drinkwater has emerged as a top target for the Premier League champions.
But Sky Sports reporter Solhekol admits Chelsea face an uphill battle to sign the England international due to Leicester’s valuation.
The Foxes are only willing to do business for £40million and Chelsea are yet to meet their asking price.
Chelsea yet to meet Leicester's £40m asking price for Danny Drinkwater, says Kaveh Solhekol
The big problem is the price, Leicester are asking for about £40m
On potential incomings at Chelsea, Solhekol said on Sky Sports: “They are still in talks to sign Danny Drinkwater from Leicester City.
“But the big problem here is the price. Leicester are asking for about £40m.
“Drinkwater again wasn’t involved on Saturday as Leicester lost 2-0 to Manchester United.”
Conte is also keen to add another striker to his ranks.
And Swansea hitman Llorente, who Conte worked with during his time at Juventus, is said to be high up on the Italian’s shortlist.
Chelsea still want Swansea striker Fernando Llorente
But the south Wales outfit are only willing to sell the Spain international if they re-sign Manchester City’s Wilfried Bony as his replacement.
Solhekol added: “Chelsea still also want to sign a back-up striker and they remain interested in Fernando Llorente. He scored 15 times for Swansea last season.
“Antonio Conte knows him very well from their time together at Juventus.
“But this deal may depend on Swansea signing a replacement striker, they’re still in talks with Manchester City about Wilfried Bony.”
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