Before the opening of the summer transfer window, Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho had reportedly hinted that given the depth of his current squad, his club would have minimal transfer business: and so it had been, until the unavoidable departure of veteran goalkeeper Petr Cech on an £11 million transfer to Arsenal, as well as a number of high-profile youngsters on loan to other clubs.
These prompted the coach to rescind on his earlier decision and visit the market place, in order to re-establish the balance in his squad. Reports state that after weeks of negotiations, he is finally closing in on a deal for Cech’s replacement, Stoke City’s Asmir Begovic.
Also, with club legend John Terry advancing in years, howbeit still very solid and reliable, reports state that Mourinho is also looking to find a long-term replacement for him. Despite having the likes of highly-rated frenchman, Kurt Zouma, and young Nigerian defender, Kenneth Omeruo in his ranks, Mourinho has set his sights on Valencia defender, 26 year-old Nicolas Otamendi, whom he has touted to be a natural replacement for the 34 year-old Englishman.
Otamendi is also wanted by Real Madrid, Manchester United and Manchester City; but it appears that Mourinho will only win the race for his signature, if he agrees to meet Valencia’s €41 million asking price.