Despite having announced his withdrawal from the transfer market, José Mourinho has still been linked with a host of top tier players from all across Europe.
According to reports, Roma defender and Manchester United target, Mehdi Benatia, has attracted interest from the decorated Portuguese, and could be signed for the Blues as early as this week; with the 50 year old wanting the player’s signature secured before Premier League registration.
Mourinho turns his attention to Benatia having failed to lure either Raphael Varane or Joao Miranda away from Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid respectively. The 27 year old however is seen as an apt replacement for either player and could provide cover for the ageing John Terry.
If Chelsea do sign the French-born Moroccan, they will exceed their foreign players quota set down by the Premier League. If this is the case, Mourinho will have to relieve one of his star names of their duties, with Petr Cech and John Mikel Obi the most likely of the group.
Mehdi Benatia would be a fine addition to a team lacking depth in central defensive positions. Whilst John Terry and Gary Cahill were arguably the best Premier League partnership last season, Chelsea’s other centre-half in Kurt Zouma may lack the experience needed to provide ample cover in a period of sustained pressure.
Branislav Ivanovic could plug the gaps with Azpilicueta having made the right full-back position his own, but games come thick and fast in the English league and strength in numbers is vitally important.
Mehdi Benatia, a seasoned veteran, will add steel and stability to a defense that is sure to be challenging on all fronts this coming campaign. At around £30 million, the Moroccan is an expensive purchase, and one that that would be billed for future stardom in the blue of Chelsea, should he sign in the coming days.
