Chelsea are interested in signing Napoli left-back Faouzi Ghoulam but will have to fight off Real Madrid and Manchester City for his signature, reports French publication Le10 Sport.
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The Blues are likely looking for a replacement for Filipe Luis, who has been linked with a return to former club Atletico Madrid by the London Evening Standard after struggling to assert himself at Stamford Bridge. The 29-year-old made just nine Premier League starts last season, with Cesar Azpilicueta being prefered by manager Jose Mourinho at left-back. This is despite the Spain international originally playing on the right.
Ghoulam could be a good alternative to Luis, having impressed at the San Paolo in the last campaign. The 24-year-old played 38 games for the Serie A outfit, becoming a favourite under former manager Rafa Benitez. This is where trouble comes for Mourinho, with the ex-Liverpool manager possibly looking to take the defender to the Bernabeu with him. Manuel Pellegrini and the Sky Blues are also interested.
There is also the problem of the Algeria international not wanting to join the Premier League champions after seeing his fellow player struggle for chances. It is unknown if this will be a stumbling block in any potential move, but it would be surprising if such a top=class footballer decided he would be happy sitting on the bench at Stamford Bridge.