Chelsea far away from Southampton’s Cedric Soares valuation

As deadline day approaches, Chelsea are far away from signing Cedric Soares. Southampton are laughing off the Blues’ initial valuation of the defender.

Chelsea and Southampton remain some way apart on their valuation of Cedric Soares. The Blues are willing to pay a maximum of £20 million for the defender, but the Saints feel Soares is worth much more than that.

"Chelsea are prepared to pay in the region of £15m-£20m for Soares, who still has three years left on his contract. However, it is understood that Southampton will only consider selling should they receive a ‘silly offer’. – Evening Standard"

Chelsea continue to be extremely thin in squad depth. Defence is a particular concern, with Victor Moses and Marcos Alonso being the only genuine wingback options for Antonio Conte. The Blues have failed to reinforce that position after selling potential wingbacks in Nathan Ake and Kurt Zouma.

Injury News: Chelsea cannot risk premature return for Bakayoko, Hazard

Soares has been targeted to challenge Moses for his starting slot, after numerous efforts to sign higher-quality players came up short. However, this deal also seems destined for failure.

Southampton have been resilient throughout the summer, fending off Liverpool’s (and Chelsea’s) pursuit of Virgil Van Dijk. They seem eager to shake off their tag as a feeder club and their stance on Soares continues that theme.

The Saints want a ‘silly offer’ so the Blues will need to put together a bid likely hitting the £40 million mark. Soares, meanwhile, isn’t believed to be actively seeking a move. Hence, Chelsea’s task is even harder.

However, at this stage in the transfer window, the West Londoners have little option but to lay all their cards on the table. Most of their rivals have completed their transfer business for the summer and are focussing on the actual football. Chelsea, though, are desperate for new players – a situation that wasn’t helped by an opening weekend loss to Burnley.

At the age of 25, Soares could prove to be a decent investment. He has been solid for Southampton since arriving in 2015, showing skill going forward while proving his ability in defence.

Next: Chelsea, Barcelona only clubs nominated in three or more FIFA awards

Chelsea are running out of time and options. If it’s a ‘silly offer’ that Southampton want, it’s a ‘silly offer’ they should get. There simply is no alternative.