Young right-back Youcef Atal is not for sale, according to his manager Patrick Vieira after Chelsea have been linked with a move for the player.
The move was reportedly valued at around £35 million, however, ex-Arsenal player Patrick Vieira has denied his availability, according to the Mirror.
The Algerian defender, who currently plays under Vieira at Nice, has impressed with his versatility. He scored a hat-trick at the weekend against Guingamp, becoming the first Algerian player to score three goals in a Ligue 1 match for 33 years.
Speaking to Nice’s official site, Vieira said this about the player’s future:
We are not sellers. Youcef will be here next year.
Atal signed for nice only last summer and has made 25 appearances for the Ligue 1 side, who currently sit in seventh place.
Youcef is improving. He works a lot. If you look at his goals, you see the aggression he has to be in the right place to score.
He is a positive character with good spirit. He was rewarded for his efforts. The team has allowed him to express himself and to show his talent.
Chelsea will be disappointed with the statement, as they look to increase their squad depth for next season.
Blues boss Maurizio Sarri will be looking elsewhere in an attempt to push his Blue side up the table next season.
