Chelsea FC manager Jos Mourinho has reportedly set his sights on Augsburga s Ghanaian left-back to strengthen his defensive options for the Bluesa title defence next season
Following reports in the English media (Mirror) last week of Chelseaa s supposed interest in FC Augsburga s left-back Abdul Baba Rahman, the Premier League champions have made their opening gambit a offering a 15m for the Ghanaian according to Sky Italia . journalist Gianluca Di Marzio.
Chelsea makes offer for Augsburg wingback Baba: the details http://t.co/2WHRTkNUqe
a David Amoyal (@DavidAmoyal) June 23, 2015
The playera s agent Sascha Empasher reportedly travelled to the English capital to negotiate with Chelsea FC, with Augsburg said to be holding out for a fee closer to a 20m for the 20-year-old. Serie A champions Juventus are also in pursuit of Baba Rahman, although the Blues are said to be in the driving seat at present.
Jos Mourinho could well be preparing for the departure of Filipe Lu s, with Atl tico Madrid widely reported to be interested in bringing their former left-back back to the Spanish capital. Lu s has failed to make the breakthrough into Mourinhoa s starting XI, and with C sar Azpilicueta set to continue as left-back, it is unlikely that next season will have more playing time in store for the 29-year-old Brazilian.
Given his youth, Baba Rahman would present a more long-term solution for Mourinho compared to someone like Filipe Lu s; it is possible that a defensive reshuffle a few seasons down the line could see Azpilicueta replace Branislav Ivanovic as Chelseaa s right-back.
The 20-year-old has had an impressive season with Bundesliga outfit Augsburg, helping them to finish fifth and thus secure a spot in next seasona s UEFA Europa League. 2015 also saw Baba Rahman prove himself on the international stage a in the African Cup of Nations held earlier this year a where he helped Ghana reach the final against the Ivory Coast.
The Ghanaian would likely be second-choice to Azpilicueta, but would offer a more natural option for Mourinho on the left flank, particularly in terms of providing width to Chelsea’s attack given Eden Hazarda s tendency to drift infield from his position on the left of the attacking midfield three.
Any move for the Ghanaian would, of course, be contingent on the departure of Filipe Lu s, and it remains to be seen whether Mourinho will prioritize this signing ahead of the other targets Chelsea are reportedly chasing to strengthen their squad this summer.
