Although Chelsea FC have been heavily linked with FC Augsburg left-back Abdul Baba Rahman throughout the summer window, it appears Jos Mourinho has changed tact and is set to sign Galatasaray defender Alex Telles instead
Chelsea FC could be set to replace their departing Brazilian left-back Filipe Lu s with another Brazilian left-back in 22-year-old Galatasaray defender Alex Telles. The youngster has been attracting attention from some of the top clubs in Europe during the summer window, including the likes of Inter Milan, Juventus, Roma and Paris Saint-Germain, but the Blues appear to have stolen a march on their competitors.
Chelsea FC on the verge of agreeing a deal for Telles
According to Sky Italia journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Chelsea FC are close to completing a deal for the 22-year-old left-back, having seen off competition from the likes of Inter Milan and Juventus, who were also believed to be pursing the Brazilian.
Although the report does not mention a transfer fee, it is likely to be in the region of a 8-10 million Euros – which was the price range quoted in earlier reports linking the former GrA?mio defender to some of Europe’s top clubs.
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Chelsea on verge of closing deal for Galatasaraya s Alex Telles #repost http://t.co/R9PENDdz89
a David Amoyal (@DavidAmoyal) July 27, 2015
With manager Jos Mourinho confirming that the club will sign a left-back this summer, and with FC Augsburg taking a hard line over Baba Rahman’s transfer fee, Alex Telles could well be adding to the Blues’ Brazilian contingent before the start of the season.
Augsburg demands might have prompted change in tact
Chelsea FC were believed to have been close to signing Ghanaian left-back Abdul Baba Rahman from Bundesliga side FC Augbusrg this summer, but it appears that the German side’s demands have made the deal difficult.
The club’s chairman Jonas Hoffman was earlier quoted by German newspaper BILD as saying (via Goal UK): “We do not need the Baba millions. We have a good, solid team here. I am very optimistic that Baba will continue his great performances with us. He’s made a very good impression at our recent training camp.
“Why keep Baba? I am an Augsburg fan. To me, it’s more important that I spend the evening watching Augsburg win with a beer in my hand than when we have more money in the bank account. There’s no need to even talk about an offer under a 20m, as I’ve previously stated.”
Telles similar to Baba Rahman – an attacking option at left full-back
If Chelsea FC have indeed given up on signing Baba Rahman, the pursuit of Telles makes a degree of sense, given the two players are very similar in terms of their profile. Telles too is a young left-back known for his ability to contribute to the attack from the left flank.
Although C sar Azpilicueta will remain the undisputed first choice in that position, the addition of Telles would give Mourinho more options and depth in his defensive department. With the Blues having two right-footed players on the left-flank in Azpilicueta and Belgian superstar Eden Hazard, a natural left-footer would add something different to the attack from the left-flank, and could provide the width that is often vital in breaking down packed defences.
Chelsea FC will sign a left-back this summer – of that, there is no doubt. Whether on not it will be surprise target Alex Telles now remains to be seen.