Villas-Boas’ Transfer Targets
At the time of writing none of the players listed below have moved to any other clubs, but a few of them are heavily linked with moves that they are expected to complete in the near future and may have done so by the time this is published.
According to the Daily Star, we’re aiming to sign:
Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid):
The 23-year-old has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge for some time now, but talks allegedly broke down in 2009 as the club were unwilling to meet his wages demands (and they are obscene). I doubt anything has changed and he’s reportedly off to Juventus last I heard. Bullshit rumour, but refuses to die.
Fabio Coentrao (Benfica):
One of the most highly-rated left backs in Europe, but unless the rumours linking Ashley Cole to Real Madrid have any weight in them, I reckon Coentrao will end up at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Falcao (Porto):
The Colombian enjoyed a successful season under the tenure of Andre Villas-Boas at Porto last season and the club are expected to meet his £26.5m buyout, if they do, it’ll be interesting to see how he fits into the side and if that will have a bearing on the likes of Fernando Torres and Didier Drogba.
Luka Modric (Tottenham):
Already have had a bid turned down for the player, who said that he would favour a move to Chelsea. However, there are rumours that we have gone cold on him and the likes of Manchester United may take advantage of this, especially as he is highly rated by Sir Alex Ferguson and United have already acted fast with their signings so far this summer.
Joao Moutinho (Porto):
Villas-Boas signed the midfielder for Porto last year and many believe he may want to bring the Portuguese international to Stamford Bridge this summer, but his minimum fee release is quite a bit higher than Falcao’s at a reported £36m, and I can’t see us paying that, so if we do decide to go for him then negotiations may be a little tougher than they would be for Falcao.
HULK (Porto):
Out of Porto’s current playing staff, many argue that Hulk is the sort of player that Chelsea are in need of most as he can be used as a forward or a winger, which is an area where the Blues are a little weak in. He’d likely come at a high price as his minimum fee release clause is not far under £90m.
Rolando (Porto):
The Star describe 19-year-old Rolando as the bedrock of Porto’s defence, who has been linked with both Juventus and Roma. Not sure we really need another defender, unless one of the current ones leave. Rolando is rated at around £18m.
Neymar (Santos):
This guy seems to be driving everybody mental and I reckon he’ll either stay in Santos or will opt for a move to Real Madrid, as I cannot see us paying the £40/45m for the player. But he is a potential world star and there are many that would love to see us sign him and the links to him remain.