Chelsea need look no further than Italy’s Leonardo Spinazzola for a back-up left wingback if the Blues decide to sell Marcos Alonso and Emerson this summer. Spinazzola—who plays his club football for Roma—put on a performance against Austria that was simply eye-opening. Chelsea is probably as set in the left back/wingback spot at this moment in time, so this is nothing more than a dream signing if the club decides to cash in on its current non-starters. The current backups are more than capable to play behind Ben Chilwell, so a move on this position is highly unlikely unless the aforementioned sale(s) actually take(s) place.
Spinazzola’s performance against Austria was sensational. He not only successfully completed his left back defensive duties, but showed the capability of playing far up the pitch, adding another dimension to an already formidable Italian attack. The 28-year-old hasn’t seemed to be a huge force for the Azzurri in the past though, he has just 17 caps for his country. One doesn’t have to see much more than the match against Austria though to be convinced he’d be an asset for any side.
Italy’s Leonardo Spinazzola would be a good signing for Chelsea.
It’s important to note firstly that this type of signing—at a position of solid starting quality and depth—is predicated solely on the case where one, or both, of Alonso or Emerson are sold. Regardless, there is always the possibility that manager Thomas Tuchel may consider altering his formation next season. If he did, it’d likely be to a 4-3-3. In that case, having Chilwell and one of Alonso, Emerson or Spinazzola may be worth considering. There seems no doubt that the blisteringly fast Italian left-sided defender could not only spell at left back, but would be a dynamic attacking midfielder from the left of a three-man midfield, as well.
It was mentioned on the telecast that he may be the fastest player on the Italian team that possesses a bevy of players with a menacing pace. That has to get Chelsea fans pumped at the prospect of his rampaging up and down the left, along with Chilwell in a fearsome two-some in the attack if that 4-3-3 actually is implemented in 2020/21. No matter where the Italian is slotted in, he would a formidable addition to a Blues side that is on the verge of being a consistent, dominating power, perhaps only lacking a true clinical finisher at the No. 9 position.
Tuchel and the club have some difficult decisions to make as they approach the upcoming season. Should they offload many of the fringe or bench payers who don’t get minutes, Alonso and Emerson both would have suitors. Together, they may see Chelsea bring in a handsome sum of cash. That windfall, invested in Spinazzola, could both better the side and eliminate the logjam at the position; something that Tuchel will most likely be seeking to accomplish throughout the squad. Spinazzola’s Transfermarkt value is £23.4 million. He now plays for old friend Jose Mourinho, as well, so the price could be adjusted accordingly. In conclusion, this is one way the Blues could address the depth if both of the out-of-favor wingbacks are sold.
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