Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has confirmed that the club are close to making their third signing of the summer, reports the Daily Star.
Augsburg star Abdul Rahman Baba is thought to be the player set to arrive according to the Star, especially after the Portuguese coach specifically mentioned left-back as the position that will be strengthened.
Filipe Luis departed Stamford Bridge for Atletico Madrid earlier in the transfer window for a fee in the ‘region of £16m’ according to The Guardian, leaving Cesar Azpilicueta as the only senior squad member who can play in the position.
“We need a left-back,” said Mourinho, as per the Star, “the board know that and my feeling is that we are going to have one.”
With the Premier League and the Capital One Cup to defend as well as the Champions League and FA Cup to improve in next season, more depth will be needed in the defence, particularly on the left-hand side. 21-year-old Rahman could be a good addition for this reason, immediately giving another option as a backup but also with the ability to improve, and to challenge Azpilicueta for first-choice spot.
Improving squad depth seems to be the main target for the London side this summer, with their other two additions, Radamel Falcao and Asmir Begovic, expected to be backups for Diego Costa and Thibaut Courtois respectively.
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Despite his young age, the Ghana international made 31 appearances for Augsburg in the Bundesliga during the last campaign, giving him the experience that Mourinho tends to gravitate towards in his first team. The player’s agent Sascha Empacher has also talked up a deal: “It is only the clubs [Chelsea and Augsburg] that have to find an agreement,” said the representative, speaking to Sport Bild as per Goal “we on our side are agreed.”
The Blues are also waiting on Everton ace John Stones, who could be another addition to the backline.
Roberto Martinez has admitted that the 21-year-old has been affected by Chelsea’s interest, but two rejected bids may mean that a move is becoming less likely [The Guardian]. While Mourinho may be keen on the centre-back, his latest comments appear to confirm that left-back is his top priority.