Chelsea Transfer News: Blues In Talks To Sign Senegal International

As the summer transfer window reaches it’s climax, managers are working hard trying to strengthen their squads for the new season so we’ll bring you all the news and gossip. Today, Chelsea are linked with a centre-back…

Chelsea are in talks with Nantes over a surprise move for their highly-rated centre-back Papy Djilobodji as Jose Mourinho looks to strengthen his defence before the window closes on Tuesday, according to the Daily Star.

The Blues boss is believed to be on the look-out for another defender following their disastrous start to the new Premier League season that’s seen them take just four points from their opening four games to leave them trailing leaders Manchester City by eight points.

Everton’s John Stones has been strongly linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in recent weeks but with Roberto Martinez determined to keep hold of the England youngster it appears Mourinho has been forced to look at alternatives.

And it looks like the Portuguese coach may have a surprise target in mind as the Daily Star claim Chelsea have now opened talks with Nantes over a potential deal for Papy Djilobodji.

The Senegal international has been a mainstay at the heart of the Nantes defence since joining the club in 2010 and has developed into a fine central defender over the past few years.

His impressive form has led to interest from abroad but it looks like Chelsea could now be ready to pull off a shock transfer with the Daily Star suggesting Djilobodji could be available for a bargain £5m as he’s out of contract next summer.

The 26-year-old would no doubt jump at the chance of joining a club like Chelsea if they could get a deal agreed with Nantes and his agent confirmed earlier this month that Djilobodji is keen to test himself in the Premier League.

“Papy has been doing wonders in France and he now he wants to try his luck in England,” Djilobodji’s UK representative Chris Nathaniel is quoted as saying by the Daily Star

“He is now looking for a new challenge and he feels the Premier League is the place for him to do that.”

I’m sure Chelsea fans were hoping for a more established name to join the club this summer but it looks like Mourinho may be forced to take a risk at this late stage in the window.

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Time is running out and with Everton refusing to do business for Stones, the Blues are going to have to act fast to secure another target and Djilobodji has been excellent for Nantes in Ligue 1 over the past two seasons.

I doubt he’ll be able to force his way past the likes of John Terry, Gary Cahill or Kurt Zouma this season but he’d provide solid back-up in defence and has the ability to develop his game even further before eventually pushing for a first team spot.

Let’s see how things develop over the coming hours but I think Djilobodji could end up being a shrewd purchase by Chelsea if they manage to secure a deal before the window closes on Tuesday evening.