Chelsea Transfer News: Big-Money Moves in Latest Stamford Bridge Rumours

Diego Costa has called on Chelsea to beat Manchester United to the signing of former Atletico Madrid team-mate Arda Turan, citing his chemistry and friendship with the player.

Izzy Horsefield of the Express quoted the Spanish international talking about the midfielder, with Costa proclaiming: "It would be fantastic [if he signed for Chelsea]. Arda makes everything so much easier out on the pitch. Arda, Filipe [Luis] and I function perfectly. And Arda is such a great person. He invited us to eat at his house many times, I really liked his kebab. The whole team would go round to his house for dinner."

Andres Kudacki/Associated Press

However, despite the interest from the Premier League's biggest clubs, talkSPORT's Spanish football correspondent Begona Perez believes the player will remain in Spain with a transfer to Barcelona, as reported by Horsefield: "There could be an announcement in the next couple of days but it is pretty much done. The fee is €35 million. He was linked to Chelsea and Manchester United but this is a player the Barcelona manager Luis Enrique wanted."

Turan's stature has risen rapidly in the game, with Atletico capturing the La Liga title 12 months ago. The 28-year-old is rated as one of the best midfielders in Europe and featured 42 times in the Spanish league and Europe for Diego Simeone's unit last term, scoring three times and providing six assists, per WhoScored.

Bleacher Report's Andy Brassell has talked up the qualities of the player, professing his departure will truly damage Atleti next season:

Turan would be an interesting acquisition for the Blues, but a midfield departure would surely have to happen to facilitate any move. Juventus are interested in taking Oscar from Stamford Bridge, but a move for Willian now appears to be possible. 

Darren Lewis of the Mirror says the Old Lady of Italian football are looking at the 26-year-old Brazilian, who has been excellent since his £32 million arrival from Anzhi Makhachkala. Willian could make way for the incoming Turan, should the Turkish captain find his way to west London. 

London Clubs Battle for Mitrovic

Darko Vojinovic/Associated Press

In other news, Chelsea face competition from Tottenham Hotspur to capture Anderlecht striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, with reports suggesting the White Hart Lane club are keen on beating Jose Mourinho to the punch. 

SportItalia.com (h/t James Cambridge of the Express) say Mauricio Pochettino is preparing an £8 million bid for the player who was the Belgium league's top scorer in 2014-15. 

The youngster also showed his quality in Europe's biggest competition, appearing and netting in the Champions League. The Serbian scored three goals in seven European ties, per WhoScored, underlining his outstanding potential. 

The attacker already has 13 caps for his country and has an impressive record of 44 goals in 90 appearances for the Belgium club, as cited by James Phillips of the Daily Star. 

However, with the arrival of Radamel Falcao on loan from Monaco, it is difficult to see where Mitrovic fits in at Stamford Bridge. Costa will start the campaign as Mourinho's first choice, with Falcao used from the bench.

And with Loic Remy still at the club—with the Mirror's Lewis reporting the Special One will block any move for the Frenchman—the Serbian would find it difficult to get games. 

Both Turan and Mitrovic look outside bets to land at Chelsea this summer, with other destinations giving the players stronger opportunities and benefits.