Chelsea Transfer News and Rumours Tracker: Week of January 13
As the UK continues to be battered with the tail of the polar vortex that is covering much of the USA, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho's assurances per the BBC that the window is "almost closed" should provide some relief at Stamford Bridge.
However, there are a few players who could yet enter or exit through the small gap that has been left to keep the fresh air circulating around the squad.
---UPDATED FRIDAY JANUARY 17---
Ryan Bertrand to Join Aston Villa on Loan for Rest of the Season
1 of 8
Friday
Chelseafc.com confirmed this morning that Ryan Bertrand will join Aston Villa on loan until the end of the season. Cesar Azpilicueta's versatility in being able to cover either full-back position has led to Bertrand making just one Premier League appearance this season. He could make his debut for Villa against Liverpool next Monday.
Nathaniel Chalobah Joins Middlesbrough on Loan
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Friday
Nathaniel Chalobah will join Middlesbrough for the second half of the season, having spent the first half on loan at Nottingham Forest (per chelseafc.com)
DONE DEAL: Nemanja Matic Returns to Chelsea
3 of 8
Wednesday
Three years after leaving Stamford Bridge for Benfica as a makeweight in the deal which saw David Luiz move in the opposite direction, chelseafc.com have announced that the Serbian has completed his return to the Blues.
Speaking to the official Chelsea website, Mourinho had this to say about Matic's return:
"I am very pleased that Nemanja is returning to Chelsea. He has grown as a player in Portugal and has become a fantastic all-round midfielder. I am sure he will become a very important member of the squad and help us to achieve our ambitions.
"
While the midfielder told the same site:
"I am very happy for this opportunity to be back at this club. I feel very good because of that and just want to say I will give my best to help the team and make the Chelsea fans happy
"
The fee that Chelsea have paid to bring Matic back is reported by the BBC to be around £21 million, far more than the £3 million he was valued at when he left Stamford Bridge in 2011.
Nemanja Matic Undergoing Medical Ahead of £22 Million Move
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Tuesday
Dominic Fifield at The Guardian has reported that Nemanja Matic is in London today to complete a medical, as confirmation of his return to Chelsea looms ever closer. The Blues appear to be set to pay £19 million more than the £3 million they sold the Serbian for just three short years ago.
Kevin De Bruyne to Fly to China Ahead of Wolfsburg Move
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Tuesday
Unsettled Chelsea midfielder Kevin De Bruyne is set to complete a medical at Wolfsburg before joining his new team mates at a training camp in China, according to Sky Sports. Although the deal is yet to be finalised, it looks as if the substantial profit that the Blues will make on the 22-year-old will offset the embarrassment of paying £22 million to re-sign Matic.
Juan Mata Going to Bayern Munich?
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Monday, Jan. 13
Dave Kidd of The Mirror reported over the weekend that Bayern Munich want to sign Juan Mata in the summer for a fee of around £20 million.
It is thought that Pep Guardiola and Mourinho would put aside their old rivalry to thrash out the best deal for the midfielder.
Chelsea Finalising Kevin De Bruyne Transfer to Wolfsburg
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Monday, Jan. 13
John Drayton of the Daily Mail has reported that Wolfsburg are in advanced negotiations with Chelsea to bring Kevin De Bruyne back to the Bundesliga.
The 22-year-old is unhappy at Stamford Bridge, and while the Blues would prefer a loan deal, they stand to make a substantial profit on the Belgian.
Nemanja Matic Set for Stamford Bridge Return?
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Monday, Jan. 13
According to Ben Curtis of The Mirror, Chelsea could complete a move for Serbian midfielder Nemanja Matic within the next 24 hours.
The midfielder left Stamford Bridge in the January window in 2011 as part of the Blues' deal for David Luiz, and his return is likely to cost around £21 million.
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