Chelsea Transfer News: Andre Gomes, Simone Zaza, Oscar, Latest Rumours

Chelsea are ready to fight with Manchester United to secure Valencia midfielder Andre Gomes and have been handed a boost in their pursuit of reported target Simone Zaza.

According to Todomercatoweb (h/t Rhys Turrell of the Daily Star), the Blues will tussle with the Red Devils for Gomes, with the report stating the Londoners have been in touch with the player’s agent, Jorge Mendes.

Additionally, Calciomercato (h/t James Cambridge of the Daily Express) has said Juventus will seek to move on Zaza after just one season at the club. The report suggested the Blues are keen on acquiring the £14 million-rated forward.

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Gomes would be a fascinating purchase for the Blues. The former Benfica man has blossomed at Valencia and as we can see in these clips, is a wonderful footballer to watch:

This season, he hasn’t hit the heights of 2014-15, although there have still been some moments to savour. Additionally, Gomes is a player who can do a brilliant job in a variety of different roles and whether he’s played centrally, withdrawn or wide, tends to have a positive impact on the course of a game.

The 22-year-old may find it tough to cope with the physicality of the English game initially, although he’s still a young player with maturing to do. Nevertheless, Chelsea are well stocked in the attacking midfield positions and as such, it’s difficult to see them getting into a bidding war for the player with any side.

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Where they do need to strengthen is at the point of the attack. Zaza is a player who could come in potentially do a job too. As Bleacher Report’s Adam Digby noted, the Italy international is a player who always seems to be the centre of attention:

A supplementary option to Diego Costa has been scarce for the Blues this season. Radamel Falcao has flopped, Loic Remy has proven too injury prone, while Alexandre Pato hasn’t convinced since he moved on loan in January.

The former Sassuolo man would definitely be a better bet. While there are a lot of rough edges to his game, Zaza is the kind of footballer who would relish the quick pace of the Premier League. The only issue for him would be whether or not he’d get the game time he craves with Costa about, something that’ll surely be vital when making a decision on his long-term future.

Juventus Chasing Oscar

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According to Simon Jones of the MailOnline, Juventus are hoping to sign Oscar from Chelsea, as they edge closer to a permanent deal for Juan Cuadrado.

“The Brazilian midfielder is among those ready to leave this summer at the end of a turbulent season for the Blues,” said Jones, also having noted the two clubs will hold talks over a permanent transfer of Cuadrado.

Oscar regularly showcases glimpses of talent when on the field, although he’s never become a key player at Stamford Bridge. The chance to do so with Juventus, therefore, could appeal to the playmaker. Bleacher Report’s Dean Jones suggested Oscar may be on the move at the end of the season to make way for other acquisitions:

It’s certainly be a shame for the Premier League if this was the case, as there’s definitely a very talented player in there. Matt Law of the Daily Telegraph hinted that Oscar is a player who makes too many excuses:

New manager Antonio Conte may see something in the Brazilian, who is determined off the ball as well as being classy on it, and finally give him a chance to cement his place in the team. After all, we’ve yet to see Oscar given a run of games in his preferred position off the centre forward to make an impact. 

He’s been moved in and out of the side, into different roles and as such, consistency must be difficult to accrue. At Juventus, who lack a natural No. 10, he might get those tempting assurances. You suspect the Blues would want big money before considering any sale, though.