Chelsea Transfer News: Latest Asmir Begovic, Samuel Umtiti Rumours

Odds have been slashed on Asmir Begovic's proposed transfer to Chelsea, as rumours linking the Stoke City stopper with the Blues continue to intensify.

The Bosnian is expected to replace veteran goalkeeper Petr Cech as Thibaut Courtois' backup at Stamford Bridge, with the Czech international likely moving to Arsenal. Cech's move is yet to be confirmed by any of the clubs involved, but BT Sport's Gary Lineker seems to believe that's just a formality:

According to the Daily Star's Jack Watts, Begovic will be the man replacing Cech, giving the Blues another proven Premier League veteran to back up Belgium international Courtois. Stoke chief executive Tony Scholes recently admitted he knew his team's No. 1 was talking to other teams, and the rumour mill has been spinning ever since. Per Watts, he said:

"

We would very much like him to extend his contract, but I think Asmir has said it himself, he is keeping his options open and seeing what might be available for him.

If I'm speaking frankly, I don't know whether or who he might be speaking to. That's not accusing him of anything, it's just saying that's the reality.

"

The 28-year-old joined the Potters in 2010 and has established himself as one of England's most consistent stoppers, playing a crucial part in Stoke's run to ninth place during last year's Premier League campaign.

He has the size, awareness and reflexes to be a top option for plenty of clubs, although he's not widely viewed as a potential starter for top clubs. Manchester Evening News' James Robson thinks Begovic has the potential to be an excellent backup for any of the top sides―but no more than that:

With Chelsea, that's exactly who he would be. Courtois is firmly entrenched as the starter after a sensational first season in the Premier League, and the 23-year-old is already considered one of the best at his position.

Manager Jose Mourinho likes to have two high-quality stoppers at his disposal at all times, however, and given the gruelling schedule Premier League footballers go through every season, that's hardly a luxury. Begovic would receive plenty of starts for the Blues in cup matches to give Courtois a rest, and he has enough quality to step in should the Belgian suffer an injury.

The Independent's Joe Krishnan thinks this move is a no-brainer for the Blues:

Ultimately, this move will come down to Begovic. He has the quality to be a starter for most Premier League clubs, including a handful who vie for European football every season. It's not easy to walk away from such an opportunity, so Mourinho will have to convince the Stoke City man Stamford Bridge is the right destination for him.

Blues Frustrated in Samuel Umtiti Deal

Gero Breloer/Associated Press

Olympique Lyon remain adamant Samuel Umtiti will not be moved during the 2015 summer transfer window, according to the London Evening Standard's Simon Johnson, and plan to offer the young defender a contract extension to block any approach from interested clubs.

Club president Jean-Michel Aulas told reporters the 21-year-old in untouchable and a big part of the club's future, per Johnson:

"

Samuel is one of the untransferable players. We are discussing an extension that will do much to evolve the team.

Sam has become a mainstay of the team physically and mentally. He is part of a group of players like Corentin Tolisso and Anthony Lopes that we will extend come what may.

"

Lyon have been steadily climbing back to the top of French football after several difficult seasons and have managed to grow their young squad into an exciting, productive side. Umtiti is one of many youngsters often mentioned as potential transfer targets, along with Alexandre Lacazette and Nabil Fekir.

Premier League fans may not be familiar with the young defender, who can play both as a centre-back and left-back, but they probably remember this sensational goal he scored against Tottenham Hotspur, via Uber Chelsea FC:

The French side are notoriously difficult to negotiate with, and with their new stadium set to open before Euro 2016 and Champions League football once again on the horizon, they'll be desperate to hold onto their biggest stars.

That means any move for Umtiti will prove costly, and as talented as the France under-21 international may be, he doesn't have the quality to be a regular starter for the Blues just yet. Given the fact he'll likely cost starter-type money, Chelsea may be better served looking elsewhere in their search for defensive depth.

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