. Atletico Madrid President Enrique Cerezo has confirmed that they are in talks with Chelsea FC over the possibility of Filipe Luis returning to his former club.
Filipe Luisa future at the club has been under constant speculation this summer, despite joining them just one year back. The 29-year-old Brazilian has failed to grab a regular place in the starting line-up since his arrival from Atletico Madrid. Jose Mourinho has preferred Cesar Azpilicueta over the Luis in the left side of the defence with Branislav Ivanovic starting as the right back.
Atletico confirm undergoing negotiations with Chelsea
Filipe Luis has been linked with a move back to Spain, to join his former club Atletico, this summer. Club president Enrique Cerezo has now confirmed that they are currently negotiating a deal with Chelsea for this transfer to take place.
“There are negotiations in place but I don’t know how fruitful they will be.
“Filipe Luis is a magnificent player. We would be delighted if he comes back and I think that in the end, we can find a solution.
“The financial aspect always takes precedence over the sentimental aspect but I believe a solution can be found.” a Cerezo told Cadena Cope in an interview.
Chelsea already have eyes on Luisa replacement
Filipe Luisa wage is a problem for the Spanish club and the left back will have to take a pay-cut for this deal to materialize. Chelsea have been linked with Augsburg left back Abdul Baba Rahman, who could join the Blues as a replacement for Luis.
Atletico are also in the market for a new left back and have been linked with PSG defender Lucas Digne. Last season Guillherme Siqueira was the first choice left back for the Spanish club, and Diego Simeone is looking for an update.
Initial reports suggested that Chelsea were interested in signing Arda Turan from Atletico, and were willing to offer Filipe Luis in exchange, but the midfielder has now signed for Barcelona and the exchange offer is out of the window.
Luis isna t a traitor: Koke
One concern for Filipe Luis, if he completes this move, is how the fans will receive him at Vicente Calderon. A lot of supporters labelled him as a traitor after he left to join the London based club last summer. Midfielder Koke however feels that Filipe isna t a traitor and that his arrival will boost the teama s overall quality.
“Filipe is not a traitor. Filipe decided to leave and now he has the possibility to return.
“If he does come, there will be more competition in the team and that is good. We will be a better side and we will fight to achieve more aims.
“As long as he plays and does well, there will be no problems.” a Koke told Marca in an interview.