Chelsea Transfer News: Alex Telles Deal Imminent, Jose Callejon Rumours

Chelsea have been relatively quiet so far in the summer transfer window but are now reportedly on the verge of signing young Galatasaray left-back Alex Telles. 

The 22-year-old Brazilian looks set to come into the Blues fold as a replacement for Filipe Luis, with the 29-year-old set to return to Atletico Madrid after just a season at Stamford Bridge, per the Guardian‘s Steve Brenner.

David Amoyal of GianlucaDiMarzio.com reports that Chelsea “are in the final stages” of the negotiations to sign Telles and have beaten off other interested parties, such as Inter Milan and Juventus

French football journalist Jonathan Johnson also recently suggested Paris Saint-Germain were in for the former Gremio man, but the Ligue 1 champions look to have missed out as well:

Telles moved to Galatasaray in January 2014 for €6 million (£4.2 million) and established himself in the first team in the second half of last season.

At Chelsea, he would surely play second fiddle to Cesar Azpilicueta. But at just 22, Telles would likely be more open to filling the back-up role than Luis—who turns 30 in August—and bide his time as he fights for his place.

As noted by Bleacher Report’s Sam Tighe, Blues boss Jose Mourinho did not handle Luis well in giving him few opportunities to prove his worth:

He will need to improve in this regard in handling Telles if and when he arrives, but the Brazilian’s youth will give Mourinho a terrific opportunity to mould the talented player.

Furthermore, Telles could offer Mourinho more versatility than Luis, as he has the ability to play further forward in an attacking role on the left flank.

Confirming the Telles move would fulfil one of Bleacher Report writer Andy Brassell’s recommendations in assessing Chelsea’s transfer window thus far:

However, the Blues look unlikely to stop there, with Mourinho having also reportedly made a £15.5 million move for Napoli winger Jose Callejon, per James Dickenson in the Express.

The Spaniard netted 11 times in Serie A last term and provided three assists, per WhoScored.com.

He could provide another scoring outlet for Chelsea, but it is difficult to see where the 28-year-old might fit into the first-team set-up under Mourinho with the presence of Eden Hazard, Willian and Juan Cuadrado.

Furthermore, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are also reportedly looking to sign him up, per Sport Witness.

As defending Premier League champions, Chelsea will be the team to beat next season, and although their squad is currently very strong, they will need further reinforcements to stay ahead of the pack.

Telles looks to be a good purchase for the future, and Callejon would bring added creativity and depth. But there are still other areas that need to be strengthened, specifically central midfield, where the Blues rely upon Nemanja Matic and Cesc Fabregas.

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