Chelsea FC are very close to confirming the signing of Nantes defender Papy Djilobodji on transfer deadline day as manager Jos Mourinho looks to strengthen his defensive options
It isn’t quite John Stones or any of the more fancied alternatives to the Englishman, but it looks like Chelsea FC have finally completed a move for a centre-back to challenge the likes of John Terry, Gary Cahill and Kurt Zouma this season.
Ligue 1 side Nantes have already confirmed the transfer of 27-year-old Senegalese international Papy Djilobodji to Chelsea FC, although there has been no confirmation from the Stamford Bridge outfit on the player at the time of writing.
Blues fans in disbelief at signing after summer-long Stones chase
Chelsea FC fans were understandably in disbelief as news emerged that the Londoners were closing is on Djilobodji, with few Premier League fans likely to have heard of the centre-back before. Unsurprisingly, there was a lot of bitterness and incredulity amongst the Blues’ faithful on social media, particularly given that Mourinho had been chasing more elite targets this summer – players in the mould of Everton’s John Stones.
Others, meanwhile, pointed to some of the successful signings Chelsea FC have made from France’s top flight, insisting that the Senegalese thus be judged on the football he is able to produce for the club rather than his stature or that of his former team.
With news emerging that the Nantes defender was offered to – and rejected by – several Premier League sides before moving to Chelsea FC, Blues fans can be forgiven their scepticism on this particular transfer. How much of an impact Djilobodji has at Stamford Bridge remains to be seen, but the 27-year-old has already had a big impact on social media.
If its true that Mourinho didn’t know who Djilobodji is then this signing is gonna do nothing to quell the tension between him & the board.
a ChelseaFansChannel (@ChelseaFansYT) September 1, 2015
Djilobodji & Hector bring back memories of when Mourinho signed Sidwell & Ben Haim to make a point in June 2007. Three months later… #cfc
a Liam Twomey (@liam_twomey) September 1, 2015
Hey guys, #Djilobodji . is not a clown or a bad player. He is a solid defender with a big heart. A dream for him to play for a top club. CFC
a Francois Piraux (@F8Piraux) September 1, 2015
Djilobodji, we’ll just call you Stones
a Martin. (@MMCarefree) August 31, 2015
New #cfc signing Papy Djilobodji was offered to several PL clubs last week. West Brom among those who said he wasn’t good enough.
a James Olley (@JamesOlley) September 1, 2015
A reminder, for those who missed it, that #cfc beat off competition from Fulham, QPR, Sunderland and Trabzonspor to sign Djilobodji.
a Rory Smith (@RorySmithTimes) September 1, 2015
[OFFICIEL] : Papy Djilobodji @ChelseaFC http://t.co/IVjSVfDox1 pic.twitter.com/bITeTZtxxY
a FC Nantes (@FCNantes) September 1, 2015
Jose when Djilobodji comes up to him at Cobham today https://t.co/qGvx45CBdO
a #CarefreeDa ly (@CarefreeDaily) September 1, 2015
