Chelsea To Complete 3rd Summer Signing Within 24 Hours After Tabling Fresh Bid

With the summer transfer window finally open for business, managers are working hard trying to strengthen their squads ahead of next season so we’ll bring you all the news and gossip. Today, Chelsea close in on Asmir Begovic….

Chelsea expect to wrap-up the signing of Asmir Begovic within the next 24 hours after tabling an improved offer for the Stoke City goalkeeper, according to Sky Sports News.

Jose Mourinho needs to bring in a top class keeper to replace Petr Cech following his move to Arsenal last week and Begovic has emerged as the Portuguese bosses primary target.

The Guardian reported last week that Chelsea had seen their opening £6m offer for the Bosnian international turned down with Stoke demanding closer to £9m while they also wanted a player on loan from the Premier League champions as part of any deal.

A potential move then moved a step closer yesterday with the Mirror claiming that Shay Given had undergone a medical with Stoke with the veteran Irishman being brought in by Mark Hughes as a replacement for Begovic.

All that remained was for Chelsea to agree a deal with the Potters and the Mirror report today that the Blues have now tabled a fresh offer worth £8m with Stoke agreeing to take Marco van Ginkel on a season-long loan as part of the deal.

The newspaper says that Hughes is now keen to get the deal done as he wants the 22-year-old to link-up with his new team mates on their pre-season tour of Asia where they’ll take part in the Asia Trophy next week.

To add further weight to the story, Sky Sports News sources are indicating that the deal is expected to be wrapped-up inside the next 24 hours so it certainly looks like Begovic is on the verge of sealing his move to Stamford Bridge.

BREAKING: Sky Sources: Chelsea expected to sign Asmir Begovic within next 24 hours. #SSNHQ

— Sky Sports News HQ (@SkySportsNewsHQ) July 10, 2015

BREAKING: Sky Sources: Chelsea midfielder Marco van Ginkel to spend season on loan at Stoke as part of deal. #SSNHQ

— Sky Sports News HQ (@SkySportsNewsHQ) July 10, 2015

The 28-year-old is in the final year of his deal at the Britannia Stadium so I think Stoke are getting a good deal at £8m – particularly now they’ll also get van Ginkel on loan – and Given will provide solid back-up to Jack Butland, who’s set to be promoted to No.1 next season.

It’s going to be interesting to see how Begovic copes with being a No.2 behind Thibaut Courtois as he’s been first choice at Stoke since signing for the club from Portsmouth in 2010, but he’ll be a reliable deputy when called upon.

READ MORE –> Chelsea transfer news

The Bosnian has vast experience in the Premier League and has proven himself to be one of the most consistent performers between the sticks over the past few years, so I think he’s an excellent piece of business for Chelsea.

Once the move is completed, Begovic will become Chelsea’s third major signing of the summer transfer window after the Blues sealed deals for Radamel Falcao and Brazilian youngster Nathan.