Chelsea To Table Fresh Offer Today After Holding Formal Transfer Talks

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 are closing in on Petr Cech’s replacement following his move to Arsenal….

Chelsea are expected to submit an improved offer for Asmir Begovic today after holding further negotiations with Stoke City over the goalkeeper on Wednesday, according to the Telegraph.

The Blues need to bring in another experienced stopper to compete with Thibaut Courtois next season after seeing long-serving Czech international Petr Cech join Arsenal earlier this week.

Asmir Begovic has emerged as Jose Mourinho’s No.1 target and the Guardian were one of several newspapers who claimed on Tuesday that the Portuguese coach had seen an opening £6m offer knocked back by Stoke.

It looks like he’s ready to try his luck again as the Telegraph now claim that Chelsea are set to table a fresh £8m offer today after holding further negotiations with the Potters on Wednesday and the improved bid is expected to be closer to their asking price.

However, there could yet be a stumbling block to overcome as the newspaper suggests that Stoke are demanding one of Chelsea’s players on loan as part of any deal for Begovic, with Victor Moses, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Patrick Bamford or Nathan Ake all potential targets.

If the two clubs can agree on a loan deal, then Begovic will be clear to complete his move to West London with the Telegraph claiming that Chelsea are pushing hard to get the transfer wrapped-up before the weekend.

So it looks like Chelsea have moved quickly to replace Cech and I think Begovic will be an excellent signing for the champions as he’s a top class keeper who has vast experience in the Premier League.

The 28-year-old has been a key figure for Stoke since joining the club from Portsmouth in 2010 and played a vital part in Mark Hughes’ side securing a record-high ninth-placed finish last season.

READ MORE –> Chelsea transfer news

The Bosnian international has just one year remaining on his current contract so Stoke have had little option but to cash-in and the player is said to be keen on making the move to Stamford Bridge despite the prospect of playing second fiddle to Courtois.

Therefore, a move now appears to be a formality as soon as the clubs agree a deal and Stoke already have the ideal replacement lined-up with England under-21 goalkeeper Jack Butland ready to step-in to Begovic’s boots next season.