As the Blues are apparently closing in on the transfer of Augsburg’s left-back Baba Rahman, another full-back, this time a right-back, has been reported to be targeted by the Premier League champions, as they want enough cover in the right side of the defence.
Chelsea have been linked with a summer move for want-away Netherlands and Paris Saint-Germain defender Gregory van der Wiel, according to reports. This is coming out of nowhere!
Express says van der Wiel has claimed his future lies in the hands of PSG as believes the French giants want to sell him. He told Le Parisien: “I want to stay at PSG but the club wants me to go. Things are clear.”
The same French source per Express is now saying the Blues have tabled an offer for the Netherlands international defender, as Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho wants to add to his options in right back.
Branislav Ivanovic is the only right-back Mourinho has in his ranks at Stamford Bridge, as Cesar Azpilicueta has been turned into a left-back by the Portuguese tactician. Even the imminent arrival of Baba does not mean the Spain full-back will easily be dislodged. However, if Ivanovic leaves next summer when his contract runs out – though he might not do so, given he is now the Blues assistant captain – Azpilicueta could be returned back to his primarily position and van der Wiel will be expected to provide competition, provided he signs. Nevertheless, if Mourinho decides to still play the former Marseille ace at left-back, then van der Wiel could permanently be the Blues’ new right back.
Meanwhile, the Blues could face stiff competition for van der Wiel’s service from Premier League rivals Manchester United, who are also rumoured to be keen on the 27-year old.
United signed Matteo Darmian this summer and he is expected to be Louis van Gaal’s first-choice at right-back this season, following his impressive performance against Tottenham on Saturday. Rafael Da Silva has also left for Lyon, leaving the Red Devils in need of another right-back who can rival Darmian for a starting role in the right back role.
Chelsea were linked to van der Wiel during his spell at Ajax, but he chose PSG instead. Now, it appears, is when the Blues will probably be getting their man.