Chelsea Transfer News: New Asmir Begovic Bid Made, Latest Radamel Falcao Rumours

Chelsea have made an improved £8 million offer for Stoke City goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, according to Peter O'Rourke of ESPN FC.

This comes after the Blues' £6 million bid was turned down by the Potters, who are prepared to let Begovic leave for no less than the new sum offered by Chelsea, as reported by Darren Lewis and Adrian Kajumba of the Mirror. Sky Sport journalist Fabrizio Romano provided more information:

Begovic has proven himself a top-quality Premier League goalkeeper over the years but will face consistent time on the bench if he moves to Stamford Bridge.

The emergence of brilliant young 'keeper Thibaut Courtois paved the way for Chelsea legend Petr Cech to join Arsenal in a deal confirmed on Monday, per the official Gunners website. While the lack of playing time proved too frustrating for the veteran, Begovic "has his heart set" on linking up with Jose Mourinho and his squad, according to Lewis and Kajumba.

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Former Chelsea No. 2 Carlo Cudicini—who backed Cech up during the Czech Republic star's early years in west London—believes Begovic can still learn from the sidelines, reported Lewis and Kajumba:

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If you are a goalkeeper that wants to prove himself, it's a club where you can definitely be tested.

The season is long; you have a lot of games to play. It happened last year with Petr Cech. He ended up playing around 15 games. So you have space and time to show the ability and your skill, so why not (go there)?

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Begovic deserves a shot at an elite club after working extremely hard with teams including Portsmouth, Macclesfield Town, Bournemouth and Ipswich Town in England.

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At 28 years old he's reached the point of his career where there aren't going to be too many more opportunities to land silverware. He could easily rack up a couple of medals without needing to exert himself with the Premier League champions, just as Cech did last season.

Landing Begovic for £8 million would be fantastic business by Mourinho, having sold Cech for £10.9 million, per Sky Sports. This is the type of forward-planning which allows Chelsea to satisfy UEFA's financial fair play regulations.

Simon Johnson of the London Evening Standard believes the deal is imminent, although he suggested Stoke may want £10 million for the Bosnian.

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Johnson also believes Colombian striker Radamel Falcao has agreed personal terms with Chelsea, who will pay him £130,000 per week during his season-long loan from Monaco. Falcao scored just four goals during his temporary stay with Manchester United, who paid him in the region of £265,000 per week last season.

The struggling front man failed to net during Colombia's run at the Copa America, instead continuing his poor form with four blunt appearances. He is destined to be second or third choice at Chelsea, depending on whether Mourinho manages to keep Loic Remy. Diego Costa, Falcao's former Atletico Madrid team-mate, will once again lead the line next season.

B/R UK's Jonathan Johnson recently discussed what Falcao can achieve at Chelsea:

We're seeing typical Mourinho astuteness as the transfer window officially opens. Begovic is a natural successor to Cech and adheres to all the attributes the boss admires in a 'keeper. He is tall, commanding when crosses enter his box and an excellent shot-stopper.

Begovic will need to excel to make a lasting impression at Chelsea, though. The same can be said for Falcao, whose stock continues to dwindle.