Chelsea are closing in on a £50million deal to sign Filipe Luis, Diego Costa and former Blue Tiago.
The number one priority for the London side this summer is to sign a top-class striker, following a blunt season from Fernando Torres, Samuel Eto’o and Demba Ba. The £32million transfer for Diego Costa looks all but complete. The Spaniard has scored 35 goals this season and certainly fits the bill for Chelsea.
The Blues are also looking for a replacement for the departing Ashley Cole, whose contract expires at the end of June. Jose Mourinho has also shortlisted Sevilla’s Alberto Moreno and Southampton’s Luke Shaw. Both of these are seen as too young and may need time to bed into the Chelsea side. Luis already has experience at the highest level and has received positive reviews for his performances this season. The Brazilian has a £17.5 million release clause.
If Chelsea do sign the 28 year old, it is expected that Cesar Azpilicueta will be put at right back, with Branislav Ivanovic probably will be used more centrally as a back up, following the departure of David Luiz to PSG.
More surprising perhaps is the interest in signing their former midfielder Tiago from Athletico. The Portuguese’s contract expires at the end of the season and Chelsea have made it clear in sounding out their interest for the player. Tiago worked with Mourinho under his first spell at Stamford Bridge and they still have a strong relationship. It is expected that the signing of Tiago will not impact the renewal of Frank Lampard’s deal, who is currently a free agent, following the decision to put off his future till after the World Cup with England.
This triple signing sends a message of intent to the rest of the Premier League by signing experienced and talented players to an already great squad. Chelsea are secretly hoping that by signing players from the same club will help smooth the transition of Diego Costa, who the London side are hoping will recover from his hamstring injury before the start of preseason.
Another player being sounded out is Toni Kroos of Bayern Munich. The German midfielder only has a year left on his contract and is reluctant to sign a new one. The player could be available for £25million following the collapse of the deal to Manchester United. Mourinho is keen to add to his midfield, and would like a world-class player to partner Nemanja Matic or as a potential replacement for Oscar who could be sold to PSG.
Source: DSG
