Chelsea
Transfer News: €24m-Rated Brazilian Has His ‘Heart Set’ On Chelsea Move
Filipe Luis has pleaded with Atletico Madrid to reduce his €24m asking price because he has his heart set on joining Chelsea this summer, according to reports.
The summer transfer window is now open for business and it’s expected to be a busy few weeks as managers strengthen their squads ahead of next season, so we’ll bring you all the latest news and gossip. Today, Filipe Luis wants to join Chelsea.
Image: Express
Filipe Luis has pleaded with Atletico Madrid to reduce his €24m asking price because he has his heart set on joining Chelsea this summer, according to reports.
The Brazilian left-back has just enjoyed an excellent season with Atletico where he was virtually ever-present as Diego Simeone’s men landed the La Liga title and narrowly missed out on a historic double after losing to Real Madrid in the Champions League final.
Unfortunately, his impressive form wasn’t enough to persuade Luiz Filipe Scolari to include him in his 23-man squad for the World Cup, as he missed out on the chance to compete for his native Brazil this summer.
His performances have convinced Jose Mourinho that he’s the man to replace Ashley Cole at Stamford Bridge with widespread reports claiming that the West Londoners have been in deep talks with Atletico over the 28-year-old defender in recent weeks.
However, so far the two clubs have been unable to agree on a fee with the Spaniard’s reportedly holding out for the full value of the players €24m buy-out clause, while Chelsea are seemingly unwilling to go that high.
The Express are now reporting that Luis has rejected a contract extension offer to remain at the Vicente Calderon because he has his ‘heart set’ on joining Chelsea, and the player is understood to be so desperate that he has begged Atletico boss to reduce their demands and get a fee agreed.
Talks are ongoing between the two clubs but it remains to be seen whether Atletico will bow to Luis’ wishes or stick to their guns and demand the full value of his buy-out fee.
Understandably, the Spaniard’s are wanting to get as much as they can for the player as Simeone wont want another of his key men to leave following the departure of Diego Costa to Chelsea.
In fact, that deal may cast doubt over whether a compromise will be found this time around as Atletico refused to sell Costa to the Blues for anything less than his £32m buy-out clause, so the likelihood is they may take the same stance with Luis.
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We’ll have to see how things develop over the coming days and weeks, but Mourinho already has a fearsome looking squad with the additions of Costa and Fabregas, and Luis would be another useful signing that will make them even more formidable next season.
