OGC Nice full-back Youcef Atal in action. (Getty Images)
According to a report from the Telegraph, Chelsea are interested in signing OGC Nice’s versatile defender Youcef Atal in the summer transfer window.
Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid are also keeping close tabs on the Algerian and Nice have slapped a €40million price tag on the defender amid the growing interest from around Europe.
Youcef Atal scored a hat-trick, as Nice defeated Guingamp 3-0 at the weekend and despite manager Patrick Vieira’s claims that the full-back is not for sale in the summer, Chelsea could look to test Nice’s resolve if their transfer ban gets lifted.
Chelsea have appealed against their two-window transfer ban and are slated to learn the outcome this week. The south Londoners have continued to monitor potential targets ahead of the summer transfer window and Atal, as it appears, is one of them.
Cesar Azpilicueta, Chelsea’s skipper, has been Maurizio Sarri’s preferred option at right-back this season. The Spaniard, once deemed as one of the most underrated players in the Premier League, has blown hot and cold. He has shown signs of ageing this campaign and Sarri needs to start planning for his future from now on.
Azpilicueta’s deputy, Davide Zappacosta, has been a peripheral figure under Sarri and could leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season. But Reece James looks likely to be given a chance at Chelsea next season following an impressive loan spell at Wigan Athletic in the Championship. Despite that, Sarri should look to sign Atal when the transfer window re-opens.
Atal has been a revelation in France since joining from Belgian side Kortrijk last summer. The 22-year-old has impressed with his attacking play this season, and has racked up six goals in 25 Ligue 1 games. He has been one of the star performers for Nice this season under Patrick Vieira, impressing with his versatility, speed and skill in France.
Quick and skilful, the six-cap Algerian international can play anywhere down the right-hand side of the pitch. Atal has impressed with his dribbling skills, close-control, whilst also showing his urge to get into the box to score goals. Six goals from a defender’s perspective is a fantastic return that further highlights the 22-year-old’s attacking prowess.
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The Algerian has shown a lot of composure defensively as well, influencing games with his tackling traits, energy and work rate. All in all, Atal, who has enjoyed his breakthrough season in Europe under Vieira, can be considered as the right player to add real quality to Chelsea’s backline, whilst competing with Azpilicueta and James at right-back next season.
If Chelsea’s transfer ban is lifted, Sarri should definitely splash the cash to sign Atal, who has a massive potential to fulfil in the coming years.