Shakhtar Donestk manager Mircea Lucescu has warned Chelsea that Alex Teixeira’s price tag will skyrocket if they fail to sign him in January. The attacking midfielder has been in exceptional form for his side, scoring 26 goals in as many games this season.
The 25-year-old has been the Premier League champions’ first choice target in the mid-season transfer window, according to the Evening Standard. The Ukranian club’s boss has advised the Blues to seal the deal next month and failing to do so will see them spend around €50m (£36.1m) after the end of the season.
“Alex is now worth more than 40 million euros (£28.9m). I think at the end of the season – were he to continue with this performance – his value is 50 million euro (£36.1m),” Lucescu explained, as reported by the Evening Standard.
“If he were playing in a league more competitive, his transfer would be at the same level as that of Di Maria.”
Teixeira is aware of growing interest from Jose Mourinho’s side, but admitted there have been no concrete offers from the west London club in signing him.
“I know there is interest from Chelsea and there have been some talks, but at the moment nothing is concrete,” the player said.
Chelsea suffered their ninth league defeat as they lost 2-1 to Leicester City on Monday evening. Diego Costa, Radamel Falcao and Loic Remy have all struggled to find goals, while Eden Hazard has so far had a disappointing season.
Willian has been the only bright spot for the reigning English champions and securing a deal for his compatriot could give the Portuguese tactician the much needed spark to lift his side for the second half of the 2015-16 season.
The former Real Madrid manager conceded defeat in his side’s chances of finish in top four this campaign. Chelsea face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League knockout stages and winning the competition is the best possible option for them to qualify for next season after a disappointing form in the league, where they sit in 16th place, one point above 18th place Norwich City.
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