Chelsea baulk at £20million-a-year wage demands of world-class 28-year-old star

Chelsea baulk at David Alaba wage demands, turn attention elsewhere

According to The Telegraph (h/t Daily Star), Chelsea have turned their attention to other defensive targets after being taken aback by the eye-watering wage demands of David Alaba.

The 28-year-old will be available on a free transfer at the end of the season after talks over a new contract between him and Bayern Munich broke down. With Chelsea expected to be in the market for a new centre-back next summer, Alaba has emerged as a prime target for Thomas Tuchel’s side.

The Austrian stalwart has evolved into one of the best defenders across the continent over the course of his illustrious spell at the Allianz Arena. Alaba has been a key component of Bayern’s rearguard over the years, winning 9 Bundesliga titles to go along with two Champions League crowns.

Hence, it’s hardly a surprise to see that his imminent availability on a free transfer has put several elite clubs, including Chelsea, on red alert. La Liga giants Real Madrid are also believed to be hot on trail of the versatile defender.

However, Alaba’s sky-high wage demands have already started to put clubs off the table, with the Austrian international looking for a £20million-a-year package. That would amount to around £400,000-a-week, a lot more than what Chelsea’s current highest-earner N’Golo Kante pockets. 

Hence, it’s clear that Alaba would need to slash his demands if he is to complete a move to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea have had success with the acquisition of Thiago Silva on a free transfer this past summer but Alaba could be way too costly for the Blues to afford.

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Chelsea have also been linked with other Bundesliga stars Ibrahima Konate and Niklas Sule in recent weeks as Thomas Tuchel weighs up defensive reinforcements with an eye on the future.