Chelsea want to sign this 25-year-old right-back as a competition for Victor Moses

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With just 15 days until deadline day, Chelsea have got a lot of work to do in the market. They have had a rather troubled summer with many of their prime targets not being sold by current clubs and a few deals hijacked.

Chelsea look thin on paper with all the injury crisis around the club.

And one area which Chelsea have constantly looked to strengthen over the summer is the wing-back position. Marcos Alonso and Victor Moses were incredible last season for The Blues but with Champions League action returning as well this season, Chelsea are looking to find quality cover for their first choice pairing.

Their search for a wing back has taken them to many destinations with the most recent being the St Mary’s Stadium. Portuguese defender Cedric Soares is the latest man to grasp Conte’s attention and Chelsea are reportedly set to go head-on against Barcelona for his signature.
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Chelsea have looked at other options for the right-wing back role. Serge Aurier from PSG has been linked in the last few weeks but he seems more likely to join Tottenham Hotspur of late. Valencia right-back Joao Cancelo has been another player in constant links with Chelsea.

Cedric, however, could prove to be a cheaper alternative. The 25-year-old is valued by The Saints at around £15-£20 million. The former Sporting Lisbon defender joined in 2015 for £4.7 million and has extended his contract last year up till 2020.

Cedric has performed well for Southampton since joining them. He was also an important member of Portugal’s successful Euro 2016 campaign. He has most recently been linked with a move to Barcelona.

Having Premier League experience is another important feature which could make him the preferred choice for Conte’s side.

However, Southampton have maintained throughout the summer that none of the first team players are for sale. Also, they do not have a like for like replacement for the defender and could struggle to find one at this stage in the window.

The Football Fanbase View:

Chelsea desperately need to add in numbers and more so importantly in the wing-back roles. Cedric is an extremely disciplined defender. His reading of the game is admirable and he is a great crosser of the ball. With Alvaro Morata’s heading abilities, Cedric Soares could prove to be a shrewd signing. The Champions Chelsea must strive to convince Cedric to leave with a guarantee of first team football as he is most certainly an upgrade over Nigerian Victor Moses.

Read: 3 key battles that will determine the London Derby.