Chelsea Transfer News: Andre Gomes and Felipe Anderson Eyed in £66M Rumours

Chelsea are in the race to sign two of European football’s brightest young stars, with reports linking the Blues with a move for Valencia’s Andre Gomes and Lazio star Felipe Anderson in deals worth a cumulative £66 million.

According to Darren Lewis of the Mirror, Portugal international Gomes would cost around £36 million, with Jose Mourinho reportedly looking to bolster his midfield options by capturing the 21-year-old sensation.

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The Blues are apparently willing to spend £26 million to bring the player to Stamford Bridge, but according to Lewis’ piece, Los Che will demand his release clause of £36 million is met. Here’s a look at why:

Manchester United are also said to be interested in the midfielder, who has been key to Valencia’s magnificent season. Manager Nuno has guided them to third place in La Liga, with Champions League football looking like an inevitability at this juncture; there’s even some hushed talk of a potential late run for the title.

Gomes’ polished midfield play has been absolutely critical to their exploits this season. The former Benfica man is superb at dribbling past tackles, picking a telling pass and boasts a defensive tenacity that will have Mourinho purring. As noted by Spanish football expert Neymarred, he’s a major talent:

"

André Gomes scores for Valencia. Love that guy, so much potential.

— Neymarred (@Neymarred) March 20, 2015"

But at this juncture, a move to the Blues wouldn’t make sense for this burgeoning young player. He’s flourishing at the Mestalla because of the minutes he’s getting, and they would drastically decrease if he made a move to a European juggernaut. For now, he should just sit tight and continue shining for a Valencia team on the up.

Blues Chasing £29.3M Anderson

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Brazilian starlet Felipe Anderson has developed into one of the most enthralling attacking players in Serie A this season. Chelsea are reportedly ready to test Lazio’s resolve with a sizeable offer for the 21-year-old, per reports in Italy (h/t Will Giles of Metro).

Here’s a look at why he’s so highly rated:

Indeed, Anderson has burst onto the scene in phenomenal fashion this season. He’s dazzled defenders up and down the country with his supreme dribbling, scintillating pace and ability to play a killer through ball. But as is the case with Gomes, it’d be a big gamble for him to leave his current employers for a European giant after a solitary prosperous season.

It's easy to see why the Brazilian is attracting some major interest, though, per BT Sport's James Horncastle:

He needs game time to continue blossoming, and as noted by Bleacher Report’s Garry Hayes, the Blues don’t need that much investment to challenge the top sides in Europe next season, especially in attacking areas:

Anderson has the class to become one of the finest attacking midfielders in Europe, but he’s currently not quite ready to make that big step. There are still refinements to be made in his game, and for the time being, the best place for him to hone his malleable talents is the Stadio Olimpico.

Petr Cech Exit Understandable, Says Eden Hazard

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Chelsea star Eden Hazard has admitted that he wouldn’t be surprised to see legendary goalkeeper Petr Cech leave the club this summer, given this lack of first team football.

As noted by Sky Sports, the Czech stopper has been linked with moves to both Arsenal and Liverpool as of late, and speaking with Sky Sports News HQ, Hazard claimed an impending exit is understandable:

"

Thibaut and Petr are both very good, and when you are on the bench of course you want to play.

He knows he has the quality to play at a good club, and of course if I'm a good player and I'm on the bench I want to leave—this is football.

"

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Cech remains a top-class goalkeeper and still has the quality to make a major impression at an elite European club for years to come. To see him sitting on the bench is a shame, but such is the quality of Thibaut Courtois, it’s a decision that Mourinho simply had to make.

Whichever club does land Cech will be picking up a wonderful, experienced goalkeeper with an undeniable winning mentality, brilliant fundamental skills and exceptional leadership qualities. Given all the magnificent performances he has put in for Chelsea down the years, you suspect all those of a blue persuasion, like Hazard, would wish him the very best of luck should he leave.