After missing out on reported target Arda Turan to FC Barcelona, Jos Mourinho has set his sights on Spanish international Pedro Rodriguez to add further quality and experience to the Chelsea FC attack
Despite significantly strengthening the quality of the Blues’ attack last summer with the additions of Spanish internationals Cesc F bregas and Diego Costa, Chelsea FC found themselves relying on Eden Hazard for creativity and goals for extended periods during the second half of last season, with Costa often unavailable due to injury and suspension, and F bregas suffering a dip in form.
January signing Juan Cuadrado did little to alleviate the pressure on the Belgian, as he struggled to come to terms with life in the English Premier League. Oscar’s customary dip in form during the second half meant that the quality of Chelsea’s attack was further diminished.
It is perhaps why Mourinho has been looking to strengthen the depth and quality of his attack this summer, and Barcelona forward Pedro Rodr guez is reportedly a subject of great interest amongst the Chelsea FC hierarchy.
According to Catalan daily SPORT, Mourinho is looking to test the resolve of the 27-year-old, who has reportedly already turned down other offers from the Premier League – thought to be from Liverpool and Arsenal – as well as one from Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain.
Chelsea FC might be further encouraged by the revised release clause in Pedro’s new contract which he signed earlier this summer – set at a mere a 30 million according to another Catalan media outlet Mundo Deportivo.
A?Hola a todos! Aqu os dejamos nuestra portada de la ediciA?n del domingo 12 de julio de 2015 pic.twitter.com/jL2jtt56Z4
a Diario SPORT (@sport) July 11, 2015
Barcelona have since signed Arda Turan from Atl tico Madrid to bolster their attack, but given that the treble winners will not be able to register the Turkey international until 2016, it appears unlikely that they would be willing to part with a player of the experience and quality of Pedro.
SPORT’s . article also cited reports in the English press, which raises doubts about the reliability of the story. If Mourinho is genuinely interested in the 27-year-old, however, it is not inconceivable to think that Chelsea FC will make a serious offer for the versatile forward, who should have little problem settling in given the number of Spanish speakers in the Blues’ dressing room, as well as the presence of former Barcelona team-mate Cesc F bregas.
Pedro Rodr guez is just the sort of versatile, experienced forward that Chelsea FC need to further strengthen the quality of their attack. With the Blues departing on their pre-season tour of North America in the coming week and Mourinho reportedly wanting to complete his transfer activity as soon as possible, the coming days will probably reveal how much there really is to this story.
