Chelsea Transfer News: Top Targets Eyed by Jose Mourinho, Latest Rumours

Chelsea are reportedly one of a trio of teams monitoring one of Chile’s Copa America heroes, Charles Aranguiz.

As reported by Ed Malyon of the Daily Mirror, the Blues, Arsenal and Marseille have all been keeping track of the Internacional man. And one of the player’s representatives has admitted his client is keen on a move to the Premier League.

Ricardo Mazalan/Associated Press

“Aranguiz prefers the Premier League,” said Cesar Behling, per Malyon’s piece. “But Marseille and Ligue 1 also have a great reputation and can't be ruled out.”

Sports journalist Jack Rathborn thinks he’d be a brilliant fit at Stamford Bridge:

There’s no denying that. The 26-year-old was majorly impressive at the heart of La Roja’s winning team this summer, showcasing the tenacity and technical flair to hold together what can often be a frantic Chile side. Indeed, Aranguiz possesses all the requisite traits that thrive amidst the bespoke principles of Jose Mourinho’s team.

Ricardo Mazalan/Associated Press

As we can see here courtesy of WhoScored.com, despite being a sitting midfielder, the Internacional man is excellent at picking forward passes, too:

According to Malyon, Arsenal are still “mulling over their options” in their reported pursuit of the La Roja star, and given the dearth of defensive midfielders in their squad, he’d be a brilliant acquisition for Arsene Wenger’s team, too. But, in truth, Aranguiz seems to have all the qualities needed to be a major success for any Premier League side.

For Chelsea, he’d add to a squad that, according to Bleacher Report’s Sam Tighe, remain big favourites to capture the title again next season:

The Blues could do with another fierce player to sit alongside Nemanja Matic at the base of their midfield in big matches and Aranguiz would be an understated but savvy acquisition. The Internacional man has been making a major impression for a while now and seems ready to make a big step in his career.

Chelsea Reject Filipe Luis Swap Deal

Silvia Izquierdo/Associated Press

Any attempt of a swap deal from Atletico Madrid for Chelsea left-back Filipe Luis will be rebuffed, according to reports.

The Times (h/t Izzy Horsefield of the Daily Express) claims the Spanish giants will have to pay a fee if they want to sign the Brazil international, who struggled to make much of an impression during his debut season in English football.

Matt Dunham/Associated Press

For Luis, it’d be a major shame to see his stay in the Premier League cut short. At his best for the Rojiblancos, he was a wonderful influence, giving Diego Simeone’s side an eminently energetic presence on the left flank. His ability to make major contributions in both attack and defence saw the Brazilian forge a reputation as one of the standout full-backs in the game.

As noted by Jack Lang of the Daily Mirror, the former Atletico star is a player who possesses the talent to cut it for Mourinho’s men:

Chelsea don’t have an abundance of cover in their defensive positions, either. Granted, their squad looks pretty formidable on paper, but the Blues can only call upon three orthodox full-backs in Cesar Azpilicueta, Branislav Ivanovic and Luis. Mourinho, you suspect, would not want to leave the Blues light in any area as they bid to defend their crown.

Luis should be a valuable member of the Chelsea squad. As a left-sided player, he can offer tremendous balance, can whip in devilish crosses and defensively is rarely caught napping. With the Blues going in search of many major honours this season, expect the 29-year-old to play a much more significant role in the coming months.