Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is “keen” to sign Paris Saint-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, according to Italian publication Tutto Mercato Web (h/t James Cambridge of the Express).

Ibrahimovic is one of the game’s most enthralling characters; a charismatic, egotistical goalscorer who is capable of brilliance on a weekly basis. He is currently PSG‘s most important spearhead, but club boss Laurent Blanc has Edinson Cavani—pushed wide for much of his tenure to facilitate Zlatan—to also use through the middle.

In his book I am Zlatan, Ibrahimovic spoke positively of Mourinho, saying: “He would become a guy I was basically willing to die for” during their days at Inter Milan, reported by Cambridge. In March, Ibra also admitted it’s a “regret” he didn’t play under Mourinho for longer than one season, per Telefoot (h/t Rohan Banerjee of the MailOnline).

Prior to facing PSG in this season’s Champions League, Mourinho called Ibrahimovic “an amazing player” and one of the “best players in the world,” reported by Simon Johnson of the London Evening Standard.

Zlatan has racked up 19 goals and six assists in 24 Ligue 1 appearances this season, per WhoScored.com, helping PSG to capture their third consecutive domestic title in the process.

He was sent off during PSG‘s visit to Stamford Bridge earlier in the year, but he would likely be welcomed with open arms in west London. However, Mourinho would struggle to fit Ibrahimovic in alongside Diego Costa and Loic Remy, particularly if he continues to play one striker up top next season.

 

Chelsea to Launch Imbula Bid?

Sticking with Ligue 1, Mourinho is said to be “close to agreeing a cut-price deal” for Marseille midfielder Giannelli Imbula, reported by L’Equipe (h/t Cambridge). The French publication reports a bid of £8.6 million will be launched, with Marseille allegedly looking to sell their “most lucrative option” ahead of a summer rebuild, per Cambridge.

At 22 years old, Imbula is developing into a well-rounded midfielder. He is a tough tackler and meticulous on the ball. The Frenchman has completed 2.5 tackles, 2.9 dribbles and 89.4 percent of his passes per match this season, recorded by WhoScored. He possesses a useful turn of pace and ability to play in defensive midfield if needed.

However, the player’s arrival would likely halt the development of Chelsea youngster Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who has impressed since the Blues captured the Premier League title. Mourinho has Nemanja Matic, Ramires and John Obi Mikel competing with Loftus-Cheek at the club, so one would likely need to be sold if Imbula‘s signing is to make sense.

B/R UK’s Garry Hayes recently discussed who Chelsea need to sign during the summer:

There’s few clubs in the world who would turn down the chance to sign Ibrahimovic if his cost is right. Many would love to see the dynamic between him and Mourinho in the Premier League. However, his acquisition doesn’t make complete sense considering Costa’s importance at the club.

Imbula would also be marked as a quality capture if he does come, but like Zlatan, can’t be considered essential.

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