With what looks to be an ongoing saga for the Blues, it is reported that Chelsea have re-opened talks with Atletico Madrid for the signing of Filipe Luis.
Reports earlier this week claimed that Chelsea had offered a £12m ‘take it or leave it’ bid for the Brazilian, but with Mourinho pushing for a replacement for Ashley Cole, Chelsea are now reportedly willing to re-open negotiations for the Brazilian fullback.
Various sources, such as the Telegraph, The Daily Express and Metro claim that Chelsea are confident of agreeing a fee for the left back, which would be less than Luis’ £19m release clause.
It is believed that Mourinho is the one pushing for the deal, with Chelsea initially reluctant meet Luis’ £19m release clause, especially considering the fact that Luis is 28 years old.
It is also believed that Mourinho is encouraged by the fact that Luis is eager to join the Blues, with the Portuguese making a specialist left back his priority after securing Spanish internationals Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas.
If Chelsea are unable to secure Filipe Luis, it is believed Mourinho is looking at Argentinian left back Marcos Rojo and Swiss international Ricardo Rodriguez as alternatives.
Furthermore, it is expected that Ryan Bertrand will be sold with Aston Villa and Liverpool reportedly interested, with Chelsea’s other left back, Patrick Van Aanholt also looking at his options.
If Filipe Luis were to be signed, it is expected that he will be in contention with Azpilicueta for the left back slot, but murmurs around Stamford Bridge are that Mourinho wants Azpilicueta to challenge Branislav Ivanovic for the right back slot.
