Chelsea Targeting Four Atlético Players

As the rumour mill rumbles on, reports suggest Chelsea’s José Mourinho is looking to pillage and plunder this season’s Champions League runners up. 

Atlético Madrid, who have defied all expectations, are set for a stern test this transfer window, as opportunist managers will look to pick the bones of their overachieving side. Having beaten both Barca and local rivals Real Madrid to the La Liga title, Atlético now face a struggle to keep their star players, two of which appear to be Chelsea bound. 

Thibaut Courtois, who is already on the Blues’ books, looks likely to return, though speculation (and a few tactless interviews by the Belgian) seemingly suggest otherwise. Diego Costa is the latest striker to come off the Atlético conveyor belt, and his signature is all but certain.

With a deal apparently agreed, the stagnant air surrounding the centre forward position at Stamford Bridge will hopefully be lifted; though it might be argued Chelsea play a system whereby the striker isn’t responsible for goals, a player of Costa’s ability would surely add steel and a potency to an attack that has looked a little blunted at times.

With Ashley Cole’s out-of-favour season culminating in his retirement from the English national team, José Mourinho is said to be looking at Felipe Luis as a possible replacement.

The Brazilian has since stated that he wishes to concentrate on his future at Atlético, but for the right price in a team now filled with treasure troves, Diego Simeone will have to seriously consider any big-money offers, if at least to build his team for next season’s challenge.

The fourth and final player reported to be on Mourinho’s radar, is 29-year-old defender João Miranda. With recent acquisition Kurt Zouma billed as one for the future, Miranda would fill the void left by David Luiz’s departure. Though John Terry has shown he can still cut it in the big leagues, a little competition by a battle-hardened Brazilian would surely keep both Terry and Cahill on their toes.

Reports also suggest Mangala is an option, but his hefty price tag may be enough to deter all but the most free-spending clubs in Europe. Miranda, then, would be an apt replacement for the cavalier, but lovable, Luiz.

With the World Cup on the horizon, the transfer window is bound to be as interesting as an anecdote from Paul Gascoigne. Only on the first of September will we know for certain how well Chelsea have strengthened, but for now the signs are most certainly promising.