Chelsea move for Fenerbache star Attila Szalai is ‘done deal’, according to national team boss

Chelsea’s move to sign Fenerbahce centre-back Attila Szalai is a ‘done deal’, according to his Hungary national team boss Marco Rossi. 

Szalai has made 21 appearances in all competitions for the Turkish giants so far this season, scoring two goals. 

Chelsea have been in the market for a central defender amid the growing uncertainty surrounding the future of Antonio Rudiger, who is out of contract in the summer. 

Sevilla defender Jules Kounde and Juventus star Matthijs de Ligt are also both on the radar of the west London club, but Szalai would be a much cheaper alternative. 

Reports in Turkey last month suggested that Chelsea had agreed an initial €23.4m (£20m) deal with Fenerbahce for the 23-year-old ahead of the January transfer window. 

And now Szalai’s Hungary boss Rossi has all but confirmed the move at the Ussi Awards in Turin on Monday.

When asked about which Hungary player would be a good fit for Serie A by reporters, Rossi said: ’It’s hard to name just one player, but right now I see very well Attila Szalai, who plays for Fenerbache, but I think he is joining Chelsea.

‘Clearly, he has been followed by important clubs in Spain, but apparently his move to Chelsea is a done deal. It would be a great player also for Italian football.’

Meanwhile, Barcelona are reportedly in advanced talks to sign Chelsea club captain Cesar Azpilicueta on a free transfer when his contract runs out in the summer. 

According to a report by El Nacional, new Barca boss Xavi has pushed hard for the deal, with president Joan Laporta happy for the move to take place due to there is no transfer fee involved. 

MORE: Barcelona in advanced talks to sign Chelsea star Cesar Azpilicueta on free transfer

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