Chelsea Transfer News: Anderson Talisca Scare Ploy Used, Fernando Torres Latest

Jose Mourinho hardly dons kid gloves when it comes to the transfer market. He's been known to gazump bids just to stop immediate rivals from signing a player. There also isn't much Mourinho will let stand in his way once he decides he wants a particular player.

The current object of his rather possessive affections is Benfica striker Anderson Talisca. The Blues boss is having the player "scouted at every single game," per Daily Star reporter Colin Harvey:

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Not only are Chelsea watching his every move but the scouts in attendance are making it well known they are there for that reason in a bid to scare off other clubs from attempting to hijack their move.

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Chelsea are thought to be tempted to trigger Talisca's £35m release clause but it is expected that Benfica could be persuaded to sell for less.

Such is Jose Mourinho's desire to sign the striker they have been tipped to take no risks and blow their competition out of the water with a colossal bid.

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Mourinho has rarely made a secret of his admiration for 20-year-old Brazilian ace Talisca. Back in September, the Portuguese boss applauded Benfica on pulling off a coup by signing the young striker.

Mourinho stated point blank that he felt Talisca could more than thrive in the Premier League, per Mail Online writer Sean Gallagher:

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Speaking to Portuguese broadcaster TVI24, the Chelsea manager said: 'I think Benfica hired well. They say Talisca is unknown, but he is only so unknown because he's only not playing in England because he doesn't have a work permit. If he had one, he would be here!'

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Chelsea's need for another striker may not appear obvious, at least on the surface. Ex-Atletico Madrid talisman Diego Costa has been in superb form since arriving this summer.

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Costa has already netted 11 Premier League goals, per WhoScored. But there could be trouble in paradise. There are always lingering fitness concerns with Costa, mostly involving his hamstring trouble.

Mourinho recently ordered the gifted but brittle striker to bolster his fitness, per The Independent:

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For me, the problem is not the goals—they will come as a consequence of his condition.

He has to improve his condition. He was injured and had many doubts because he went a long time without training.

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Mourinho's words came shortly after Costa failed to score in Chelsea's 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United. That blank came after he couldn't find the net in a 0-0 draw with Sunderland.

With Costa briefly struggling, 36-year-old Didier Drogba has chipped in. But the veteran is now certainly in the twilight of his career.

Mourinho's only other option is Loic Remy. Like Costa, the pacy Frenchman is also brittle.

In this context, a move for Talisca makes some sense. It would secure Chelsea one of the game's brightest young stars and may even end any lingering doubts about the focal point of the Blues' attack.

One striker still on the Chelsea books Mourinho won't choose to rely on is on-loan Fernando Torres. But that might not even be Mourinho's choice to make.

Currently plying his trade in Italy with AC Milan, Torres is struggling to make the grade in Serie A. In fact, things have gotten so bad that Express reporter Anthony Chapman has even suggested the 30-year-old Spaniard will return to Stamford Bridge during next month's transfer window:

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Milan have grown frustrated with Torres' inconsistent performances, and Inzaghi is already looking for a replacement following just one goal in ten Serie A appearances from the ex-Atletico man.

If the forward does return to west London, he is more than likely to find himself shipped out on another temporary deal abroad.

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But don't get too downhearted just yet Chelsea fans. Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi is still determined to see Torres come good for the Rossoneri.

Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images

That's according to a report in Italian publication Corriere Dello Sport (h/t 101 Great Goals):

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That suggestion, however, is shot down by AC Milan President Silvio Berlusconi today, as Corriere Dello Sport report that the bigwig is demanding that coach Pippo Inzaghi get the best out of Il Nino.

The headline on the paper reads Torres should be at the centre of Milan’s revitalisation plan.

Berlusconi and Inzaghi may be heading for a disagreement on Torres though, as today’s edition of Tuttosport says the Rossoneri coach wants to buy Mattia Destro as his new star striker.

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If it's a power struggle between Berlusconi and Inzaghi, count on the former winning the fight. That'll mean Torres staying put in Italy, at least for this season.

But the future of a £50 million flop won't concern Mourinho too much, if at all. His primary efforts already appear focused on wrapping up a deal for Talisca.