Chelsea Transfer News: Big-Money Stars Targeted in Latest Blues Rumours

Douglas Costa has claimed he wants to join Chelsea so he can link up and work with Blues manager Jose Mourinho. 

In an interview with FourFourTwo's Marcus Alves, the Brazilian prodigy claims he can "achieve everything" he wants under the Special One and speaks about his fantastic relationship with compatriot Willian:

"

I'd be really interested in moving to Chelsea – not only because of everything Willian tells me about the club, but because I think that I'd be able to achieve everything I want having someone like Jose Mourinho by my side.

Since I left Brazil, I have worked with a marvellous coach [Mircea Lucescu] and got an idea of how much influence such a good professional can have in your football. Now I think it's time to try a new philosophy and I'm sure that Mourinho's is the best around. He's always fighting for trophies.

"

Efrem Lukatsky/Associated Press

Costa joined current side Shakhtar Donetsk in 2010 and has progressively turned into one of the most exciting talents in European football.

And with the recent troubles in Ukraine, Costa will surely be impressed by the cosmopolitan bright lights of London, and the depth and quality of the EPL. 

Costa has matured over the years in Donetsk and at still only 24 years old, a bigger opportunity awaits the player in the near future. 

He featured heavily in his club's run in this term's Champions League, appearing eight times and scoring once, per WhoScored.com.

Efrem Lukatsky/Associated Press

Costa's team-mate and club skipper, Darijo Srna, recently paid homage to the player, saying the Brazilian might one day tread in the footsteps of former Blues attacker Arjen Robben, per Ryan Benson of Goal.com:

"I would say that Douglas Costa is no worse than Robben, potential-wise."

However, Costa confirmed in his interview with FourFourTwo his buyout clause is around the €50 million mark and implied a transfer away from Donetsk would be difficult. 

It is not the first time Costa has publicly spoken about joining Chelsea, with Darren Lewis of the Mirror reporting the player's urge to move to Stamford Bridge in the recent January transfer window. 

Costa said at the time playing for the Blues would be a "dream," calling Mourinho "very intelligent," per Lewis.

But Chelsea moved and purchased Juan Cuadrado, leaving Costa at arms length, despite Jason Burt of The Telegraph claiming Mourinho had opened talks to sign the Brazil player.

In other news, Mourinho is said to be ready to raid his former club Real Madrid for the services of Raphael Varane. 

John Cross of the Mirror says Chelsea's humiliating exit at the hands of 10-man Paris Saint-Germain will force Mourinho to make his move for the French international, with the Special One: "privately concedes that his defence needs major reinforcement."

Gary Cahill's days at Stamford Bridge appear numbered, and Varane comes with a huge reputation and untapped potential. 

Michel Euler/Associated Press

Chelsea struggled against PSG at set pieces, and Varane's intelligence would help fill the expected void of John Terry, when the skipper finally moves on or retires.

Mourinho needs a brain in his defence, and the Los Blancos defender is indeed a cultured individual. 

Varane shares a similar skill set to that of Rio Ferdinand in his younger days, and the Blues could develop him into the best players in his position in world football.

Mourinho should move heaven and earth to get his man, and then a true assault on the Champions League could take place.

Varane is destined for the very top of world football, and Madrid's loss would certainly be Chelsea's gain, if they can tempt the player to arrive in England.