Chelsea FC manager Jose Mourinho is keen to sign Augsburg left back Abdul Baba Rahman as Felipe Luis heads towards an exit from Stamford Bridge.
The 20-year-old defender is coming of the back of an impressive campaign with Bundesliga side Augsburg. Rahman was one of the key players for the German club as they finished fifth in the league table and qualified for European competition for the first time.
Chelsea have monitored his progress last season and are now preparing a move for the Ghanaian international. The London club are in the market for a new left back with the future of Felipe Luis coming under immense speculations. 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 defense with Branislav Ivanovic starting as the right back.
Reports suggest that Luis is likely to leave Stamford Bridge this summer in search of regular first team football, and this has forced the Blues to look for alternatives in the transfer market. Mourinho is seemingly impressed with Baba Rahmana s performances last season, and sees him as a long term solution to that role.
Augsburg have reportedly slapped a A?15 million price tag on the Ghanaian, but Chelsea will face competition from Italian Champions Juventus. The Serie A side are also keen on signing Rahman with Patrice Evra reaching the fag end of his career. AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund have also been previously linked with the defender.
Kurt Okraku, agent of Rahman, has earlier stated that it will be difficult for Augsburg to hold onto their prized asset this summer.
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“Normally, I would say that he has to stay in Augsburg for one more season but the level of interest shown by very big clubs in the world of football makes it a bit difficult perhaps for Augsburg to hold on to him” a Okraku said in April.
Although Rahman is said to be excited at the prospect of playing under Mourinho and following the footsteps of his fellow countryman Michael Essien, but his final decision might depend on how much first opportunities he will receive at Chelsea next season.