Chelsea Transfer News: Alex Teixeira Reveals Blues Offer, Latest Rumours

Plans are already in place for Chelsea to beef up their attack in 2016 after Shakhtar Donetsk's Alex Teixeira revealed he's had an offer from the Blues, and it's possible compatriot Diego Costa is the man he'd be replacing.

Speaking to the Ukrainian media this week, Teixeira proclaimed the west Londoners have already made contact about securing his services and that he's hopeful of a winter move, per the Daily Mail's Oliver Todd: "I have an offer. It was a pleasure to know that Chelsea wants to sign me. It would be great if the transfer already happens in January."

Efrem Lukatsky/Associated Press

The Brazilian has been in free-scoring form this season after racking up 16 goals in just 11 league appearances for Shakhtar, drawing interest from some of Europe's top outfits as a result.

According to Goal reporter Emanuel Rosu, Shakhtar manager Mircea Lucescu is fully aware his attacking-midfield maestro will be moving on to pastures new next year:

That availability bodes well for the Blues in knowing they at least have a chance of competing for Teixeira's signature, provided the Ukraine giants are willing to cash in.

Sealing the 25-year-old's signature could be easier said than done, though, after he told Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport earlier this week he'd also be interested in a move to Juventus (h/t Football Italia):

"

We’re talking about one of the biggest clubs in Europe. I know about their interest and I’m pleased about it. If they make an offer in the future that satisfies both me and the club, I’ll be more than happy to go there.

The national team? The call-up hasn’t arrived yet but I feel ready. The Ukrainian league doesn’t get much visibility but I’m here, I work hard and wait for my chance.

"

Teixeira hasn't received a senior cap for Brazil yet, which might hamper any work-permit application.

The player's 17 goals across all competitions this season puts him just five goals shy of last term's career best of 22 in 37 games, showing just how much improvement he's made in recent months.

Rui Vieira/Associated Press

Blues incumbent Costa, however, is in the midst of a disappointing spell just like numerous other Chelsea stars, but that hasn't prevented speculation of a return to La Liga with European champions Barcelona.

That's according to Spanish magazine Don Balon, which reported the Blaugrana are prioritising a target man this January (h/t Dan Gibbs of the Daily Express). The Spain international has been in typically brutish form this season after picking up six yellow cards for club and country, and Match of the Day pundit Gary Lineker has jested about his physical nature:

It's true Costa's approach to the game has its positives and Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho knew precisely what he was paying for upon signing the player from Atletico Madrid almost 18 months ago.

However, last season's star player is just one of those who has been miles off the previous pace set at Stamford Bridge, and ex-Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino told talkSPORT he believes there's more going on behind the scenes: 

Barcelona are free to make their presence felt in the transfer market once again this January after coming through their year-long transfer embargo, per BBC Sport.

Manager Luis Enrique currently has Luis Suarez leading the line in what's been a majorly successful signing since his arrival last year, but Costa would provide a much different alternative in attack.

In any case, it's highly unlikely Mourinho would be willing to send Costa back to Spain in the winter transfer window considering he needs just about every asset he can get his hands on if he's to turn Chelsea's luck around.

The Blues' downward spiral in form could result in major renovations being made at Stamford Bridge this January, and perhaps Teixeira's arrival could be the spark to get Costa back to his scoring best.