Jose Mourinho appears to be continuing his plundering of Atletico Madrid talent after the capture of Diego Costa.
Nick Lustig of the Daily Star reports that Chelsea will complete the signings of former Blues player Tiago and left-back Filipe Luis. According to Marca (h/t Lustig), midfielder Tiago will join on a two-year deal after turning down a new contract from the La Liga champions.
Highly rated defender Luis will follow his Atletico team-mates after the Blues activated the £20 million release clause in his current deal.
Both players had significant roles in Atletico's joyous season last year along with Costa after they toppled Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Jack Wilson of the Daily Star writes that both Tiago and Luis are best friends off the pitch, and Tiago has encouraged Luis to join him and Costa in London.
Chelsea officially announced the signing of Costa on Tuesday via their Twitter account:
Agreement reached with Atletico Madrid for the transfer of Diego Costa: http://t.co/y1QwupqQGC #CFC pic.twitter.com/xRG5TkwuoF
— Chelsea FC (@chelseafc) July 1, 2014
"Chelsea Football Club can confirm an agreement has been reached with Atlético Madrid for the transfer of Diego Costa, with Chelsea meeting the buy-out clause for the Spanish international," a statement reads on the club's official website.
The 33-year-old Tiago has previously played at Stamford Bridge under Mourinho but left after one season to join Lyon for £6.5 million in 2005.
Tiago featured 30 times for his current club in La Liga and Europe last season, as they reached the UEFA Champions League Final.
Writer and editor Ben Fairthorne confirmed Luis' expected arrival at Stamford Bridge, explaining that the Brazilian international only wants to join Chelsea:
Filipe Luis will be next to sign for Chelsea. Player has told agent only wants blues move.
— Ben Fairthorne (@BFairthorne) July 1, 2014
Luis comes in as Ashley Cole's long-term successor after Chelsea announced on their website Tuesday that the England man is leaving the club following eight years of service.
He is considered one of Europe's best full-backs and is likely to start as first-choice left-back at the beginning of the 2014-15 campaign.
Despite his form, Luis was left off the Brazil squad for the World Cup, with football journalist Sergi Dominguez criticising his omission:
After Scolari omitted Filipe Luis & Miranda, none of his decisions can now surprise me.
— Sergi Domínguez (@FutbolSergi) June 17, 2014
Tiago and Luis will be essential signings for Mourinho as he looks to rebuild Chelsea in the second year of his project with the team. They will add the solidity they were missing at times last year and offer variation in positions that the Special One needs to address.
When you add the captures to the signings of Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa, the Blues look set for an explosive season in 2014-15.
Mourinho is a progressive individual when it comes to making new signings, and all four will be expected to make an initial impact in the new season.
With Cole now moving on, it is vital that Chelsea bring in real quality to replace him. If Luis is secured, they will have achieved this point.
Tiago will offer excellent cover for the defensive midfield role filled by Frank Lampard last season.
Source: Bleacher Report
No comments:
Post a Comment