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Chelsea’s Renato Sanches pursuit diverting attention away from wingback situation

By Ajitesh Rasgotra

SINGAPORE - JULY 29: Chelsea FC team manager Antonio Conte actions during the International Champions Cup match between FC Internazionale and Chelsea FC at National Stadium on July 29, 2017 in Singapore. (Photo by Thananuwat Srirasant/Getty Images for ICC)
SINGAPORE - JULY 29: Chelsea FC team manager Antonio Conte actions during the International Champions Cup match between FC Internazionale and Chelsea FC at National Stadium on July 29, 2017 in Singapore. (Photo by Thananuwat Srirasant/Getty Images for ICC) /
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Renato Sanches has been dominating the headlines in recent days, but that saga is diverting attention away from Chelsea’s desperate wingback situation.

After a rather mixed series of pre-season performances, Chelsea are still active in the transfer window. There are still areas of concern in Antonio Conte’s squad, most notably the lack of depth at wingback. However, rumours of a move for Renato Sanches risks diverting attention away from the position the Blues must address first.

Sanches thoroughly impressed during Bayern Munich’s friendly against the Blues. Moreover, it was not too long after Carlo Ancelotti indicated that the midfielder could be available for loan. Since that game, the headlines have been full of Chelsea’s pursuit of Sanches and Bayern have even confirmed the club’s interest.

With the arrival of Tiemoue Bakayoko, Chelsea have already strengthened their midfield this summer. The Blues must now work on signing someone to compete with Victor Moses and Marcos Alonso.

Nathan Ake and Kurt Zouma have departed (permanently and on loan respectively), leaving the squad perilously short of options. Moses and Alonso were fantastic for the Blues last season, but competition is needed to keep them at the top of their game. Injuries to either is also a concern.

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Chelsea have chased Danilo and Alex Sandro throughout this transfer window. The former snubbed the Blues in favour of a Manchester City move. The latter seems set to stay at Juventus. Conte is fast running out of potential targets.

Nemanja Matic’s impending transfer to Manchester United means that the Sanches move is not superfluous. However, the fact that wingback reports have somewhat died down over the last week is concerning. Even if rumours are often misleading, they must be based on some truth. The lack of links with potential first-team wingbacks is far from reassuring.

Given the poor performances during pre-season, Chelsea fans are fearing a repeat of a Jose Mourinho season. Antonio Conte even mentioned it himself. Having shipped out the club’s wingback cover, the Blues must act quickly to bring replacements in.

The club are due to play twice a week for a big chunk of the season. Being able to give Moses and Alonso a rest will be vital in prolonging trophy challenges. That position is arguably the most demanding in Conte’s system; you cannot expect them to perform well in each game.

Next: Chelsea’s injuries and transfer wobbles raise stakes in Community Shield

While Sanches will undoubtedly be a fantastic addition to the squad, let’s not forget about the most pressing issue. Chelsea need a wingback and the Premier League campaign is under two weeks away.

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