Branislav Ivanovic replacement? Chelsea Set to Battle Barcelona for 22-year-old Star

Roman Abramovich is set to go on a spending spree in the coming January transfer window as he seeks to turn around the fortunes of the Club by providing top quality players for club Boss Antonio Conte.

According to the Express, 22-years Old Portuguese Joao Cancelo has emerge as a January target for Italian tactician Conte.

The highly rated right-back has been a revelation in La Liga since he left former club Benfica two years ago. He has pushed his way to starting spot in Valencia team.

With Serbian international Branislav Ivanovic aging, there is urgent need for a long term replacement. The powerful defender who has just a year left in his contract with the Blues has fallen down the pecking order in Conte’s new 3-4-3 formation.

It is also reported that Spanish giants Barcelona are interested in the services of the Portuguese. Since the departure of Brazilian star Dani Alves, Barca hasn’t found a good replacement for the tough defender.

Although they have Aleix Vidal as a right back player, it is however reported that Barcelona boss Luis Enrique isn’t empress with Vidal performance and the player could be asked to leave the club anytime soon.

However, a move for Cancelo might not materialize in the winter transfer window; given that Valencia will unlikely want to lose a key player of their team mid-way through the season.