Chelsea CLEAR FAVORITES To Sign 5ft 10″ Defender

Chelsea are now clear favourites to sign Augsburg’s promising left-back Abdul Rahman Baba, according to the Mirror. Brazilian defender, Filipe Luis is set to return to Atletico Madrid in the coming days, prompting Chelsea to quickly move to sign Baba.

The Augsburg defender has been on the radar of a host of European heavyweights after a sterling performance for the Bundesliga club in the 2014-15 season.

Reports had emerged from various sources that Premier League Champions, Chelsea have made a bid of £15 million to secure the services of the 20-year old Ghanaian, with Jose Mourinho keen to improve his squad.

Real Madrid and Arsenal are also thought to be keen on Baba, but both clubs table failed to table any bid.

Baba – who impressed at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2014 – is also on the wanted list of Italian Champions, Juventus. Transfer specialist, Di Marzio on his twitter page, Baba Rahman’s agent, Sascha Empasher, travelled to London to meet with Chelsea who offered £15 million for his client’s services. He concluded that Chelsea are trying to close the deal in time before The Old Lady of Turin.

The Mirror, however confirmed that despite interests from other clubs, Baba fancies a move to London.

The Blues are currently in Montreal, as they begin their pre-season tour of the North America. They will play New York Red Bulls, Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona on the trip before the FA Community Shield fixture against Arsenal on the 2nd day of August.

Chelsea will complete their pre-season with a friendly match against Fiorentina at Stamford Bridge before beginning their 2015-16 season with a match against Swansea at the same ground.

Meanwhile, Axel Witsel, Antoine Griezmann and Pedro Rodriguez remain the Blues summer target this summer, with club owner Roman Abrahamovich jetting out to Russia to seal a deal for Witsel.