CONFIRMED – Chelsea Set To Signing POWERFUL CB, Not John Stones

The Premier defending champions have officially launched a bid for China’s centre back Zhang Linpeng in a bid to bolster their defense line before the close of the transfer window, as per Daily Express.

However, these are worrying times for the Blues as they have been unable to secure a deal for a centre back this summer – after three bids for Everton’s’ John Stones, the Toffees remained unyielding and have said they will not sell their star defender. Meanwhile, this recent report claim the deal for Linpeng is on the verge of collapsing following the lack of clarification regarding how much of first team football the defender is guaranteed.

The Portuguese tactician already has established defenders within his ranks to choose from with Terry, Azpilicueta, Zouma, Cahill, and Ivanovic not also forgetting the latest defensive addition, Baba Rahman – following the number of defenders at the disposition of the Blues, it will be difficult for Linpeng to walk into Chelsea’s first team.

According to the Express, Linpeng said:

“I am very happy and very excited to finally have this formal invitation.”

Meanwhile, the report also confirmed Chelsea’s interest as quoted by Linpeng’s club;

“We did receive an offer from Chelsea, which we have attached great importance. But we will not continue to talk with Chelsea unless the English club make a guarantee on Zhang’s playing time.

“Chelsea haven’t told us which club will be Zhang’s first stop and they could not guarantee Zhang could play for Chelsea in the future. So we believe it is a great risk to let him leave now, both for the player and the club.”

Linpeng is wary of being sent on loan as it is most likely that he will be sent on loan upon the completion of his deal.

Chelsea have conceded nine goals in four League games so far this season. They need to step up their performance if they are to retain the Premier league title.