Chelsea Transfer News: Alex Teixeira Deal Agreed, Latest Jamie Vardy Rumours

Chelsea and Alex Teixeira have reportedly verbally agreed a deal over a January transfer, with the Blues taking a step closer to signing the Shakhtar Donetsk attacking midfielder.

According to Tony Banks of the Daily Express, the current Premier League champions have struck terms with the player and will now seek to agree a fee with the Ukrainian side, which could be around the £30 million mark.

It’s claimed that despite the recent departure of Jose Mourinho, the Blues are “pressing ahead” with this transfer. Here’s why Chelsea fans should be excited about the potential acquisition:

Teixeira would certainly add something refreshing to this team’s attacking play.

With the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Eden Hazard and Oscar failing to find their best form throughout this term, with no spark akin to the early stages of last season, when they were sweeping teams aside with fine attacking football.

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Teixeira is definitely the kind of player capable of revitalising a jaded attack. The Brazilian has long been a creator in attacking areas, with his tight dribbling and ability to thread an incisive pass on show at the highest level in the Champions League.

However, this term he’s added goals to his game too, with 22 netted in just 15 league games this season.

As noted by sports analyst Jack Rathborn, the Blues have been in this position before with a similar talent, but they didn’t utilise the player’s qualities appropriately:

Teixeira is someone who looks better equipped to settle, though. Not only will he find it easier to get regular minutes in a toiling Chelsea team than Juan Cuadrado did earlier this year, the Brazilian seems to relish the physical side of the game a lot more. 

Manchester City Join Jamie Vardy Chase

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According to Matt Law of the Daily Telegraph, Chelsea will face stiff competition from Manchester City in the race for Leicester City’s star striker Jamie Vardy in January.

It’s claimed by Law that City have made a “tentative check” on the England international forward, who has been in scintillating form for the Foxes so far this term. It’s suggested Vardy is on the Blues’ list of January targets, with a potential fee of £30 million mentioned.

It’s remarkable to see clubs of such stature chasing Vardy, but not too surprising given his recent rise. As noted here by Match of the Day, the player's form has been simply staggering:

Chelsea could definitely do with a player of Vardy’s style at the point of their attack. As is evident by the above statistic, he’s making vital contributions in the attacking third:

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However, it’d be a surprise to see the forward make a move midseason. Leicester are top of the league at Christmas and could achieve something special this campaign. While the chance to possibly join a team like Chelsea or City will be a tantalising a prospect for the player, Vardy will surely want to see through this remarkable term with the Foxes.