Premier League champions Chelsea FC have pipped Arsenal FC for the signing of Augsburg left-back Abdul Baba Rahman, with a deal reportedly close to completion. Chelsea are close to completing a deal for the return of left-back Filipe Luis to Atletico Madrid after a fee of A?16 million was agreed.
Filipe Luis was signed last summer by The Blues, however, the Brazilian full-back failed to establish himself at the Stamford Bridge and played second fiddle to Cesar Azpilicueta. The 29-year-old started only nine league games for Chelsea FC, and has reportedly agreed on a three-year contract with his former club Atletico Madrid.
Mourinho continues with his like for like Replacement Transfer Policy
Chelsea FC have followed Mourinho’s transfer directive, and have only signed players for the positions, that have been vacated by players leaving Stamford Bridge. Radamel Falcao was signed to replace the out-of-contract legend Didier Drogba while Stoke’s Asmir Begovic was signed to replace the legendary goal-keeper Petr Cech who moved to rivals Arsenal FC in search of more game-time.
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Luis, will also be swiftly replaced after reportedly a deal for 21-year-old Bundesliga full-back Abdul Baba Rahman is said to be close. Rahman, was rated last-term as the best left-back’s in Germany, will compete with Cesar Azpilicueta for a starting position at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea FC set to beat Arsenal FC and AS Roma to Rahman’s signature
The 21-year-old is also wanted by English rivals Arsenal FC and Italian giants AS Roma, however, it has been reported that the Ghana international prefers a move to the Premier League. Jose Mourinho is said to be a keen admirer of Rahman, and looks to bring him to the Stamford Bridge, however, Rahman wants assurances about regular playing time, before he signs the deal.
The Blues are also in the running for highly-rated English defender John Stones side, having already seen a A?20 million bid rejected by Everton, although the club are believed to go back with a A?26 million offer. However, if they are successful in signing Jones, he is set to be the only addition to the Chelsea FC squad, who is not a replacement for another player.