Welcome To Stamford Bridge – Abramovich Sanctions €49m Signing For Chelsea

Reigning Premier League champions, Chelsea are also targeting defensive reinforcements for January and one of those defenders on the wish-list of the West Londoners is Valencia defender Jose Gaya.

The Blues are ready to accelerate their interest in Gaya when the transfer window reopens in the new year, as per Give Me Sport.

The aforementioned source cite Sport, a Spanish broadsheet, who claim Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has sanctioned the transfer bid after the Blues’ early season woes, which has left them in 17th position.

Three defeats in the league already this term has left Chelsea 11 points behind leaders Manchester City who have had a 100 per cent record so far, and many have suggested the Blues have thrown away their chance of retaining the league title. This has left Mourinho with no choice than to source for defensive options, having conceded the highest number of goals in the league.

Gaya is one of the brightest prospects presently in Europe, and the defender is already a regular in the Valencia first-team after playing 35 games to help his side qualify for this season’s Champions League. It is also claimed that Gaya, 20, has a release clause of €49m and Valencia are unlikely to let him leave if that amount is not met. Nevertheless, Chelsea will test Los Che’s resolve during the January transfer window.

Although eye brows would be raised as to why Chelsea are moving for another full-back, having signed Baba Rahman this past summer transfer, it could be argued that Ivanovic’s contractual situation at the club could mean a return to right-back duties for Cesar Azpilicueta, with Baba and Gaya – provided he joins – fighting for starting position at left-back.