With the splash signatures of striker Radamel Falcao and goalkeeper Asmir Begovic secured, the speculation now surrounding defending Premier League champion Chelsea appears to revolve around who’s potentially leaving Stamford Bridge rather than entering the grounds.
Falcao will offer another scoring option beside Diego Costa and Eden Hazard, and Begovic provides support behind Thibaut Courtois, but boss Jose Mourinho may be lining up more improvements in the attack in addition to the exits of winger Victor Moses and left-back Filipe Luis.
Following reports of Mourinho’s interest in Barcelona’s Pedro, the Blues are reportedly looking into Anderlecht striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, according to Daily Star. The Serbian international desires Champions League competition, and the Belgian side are open to a transfer around the player’s estimated rating of £15 million.
Mitrovic, whose reported wage demands of £60,000 per-week plus bonuses might seem a bit steep, is much younger than Pedro and The Star indicated the Serb’s arrival may trigger the transfer of striker Loic Remy.
The 20-year-old Mitrovic fired off 23 goals in the Belgian Pro League last term, and that performance has also caught the attention of Newcastle, Swansea, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester United. However, joining a Mourinho side that’s already favored to repeat as English champions and a contender for Champions League might be too much for Mitrovic to pass up.
With Remy’s future at Stamford Bridge in doubt, the same could be said for Moses with Tottenham making an £8 million bid for the 24-year-old Nigerian, according to The Sun. Moses spent last season on-loan to Stoke City and netted four goals over 23 appearances in all competitions.
Chelsea may also ship left-back Filipe Luis to Atletico Madrid, one year after a £15.8 million fee brought him to Stamford Bridge, BBC Sport reports.
“There are negotiations in place but I don’t know how fruitful they will be,” Atletico president Enrique Cerezo said. “We would be delighted if he comes back and I think that in the end, we will find a solution. As always, the financial aspect takes precedence over the sentimental aspect but I believe a deal can be reached.”
The 29-year-old Brazilian made only 26 appearances last season, and regular time might be steadier with his old club, having spent four years at Vicente Calderon.
Though Chelsea might hesitate given Cesar Azpilicueta is the only other left-back currently on the roster. That is unless Mourinho believes he can slide Nemanja Matic down from the midfield, or shift Branislav Ivanovic to the opposite flank.
