Could Roberto Firmino be Chelsea bound?
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After they tie up a deal for world-class striker Diego Costa, Chelsea could target another Brazilian-born attacker to bolster their squad ahead of next season.
Jose Mourinho has kept a close eye on the excellent Roberto Firmino, who has starred for Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga this term, and is willing to make a move for him once Costa’s transfer is completed, reports the Daily Express.
The Blues want to complete a deal for Atletico Madrid’s 25-year-old powerhouse Costa before he leaves for the World Cup with Spain, and will then focus on 22-year-old Firmino as well.
Firmino has burst onto the scene this term in Germany, and many are flabbergasted his performances haven’t warranted him a spot in Luis Felipe Scolari’s World Cup squad. Firmino’s notched 16 goals and registered 11 assists, which would be solid statistics for a striker, but is even more impressive considering he’s deployed in attacking midfield.
This is more league goals and more league assists than any Chelsea player has managed this season, and it’s drawn the attention of the Stamford Bridge giants. However, the Brazilian signed a new deal with Hoffenheim before the end of the season, meaning Chelsea would have to likely make an astronomical offer for his services in order to tempt the German club into selling.
Firmino prefers to play behind a central striker, meaning he could arrive at the Bridge as direct competition for Oscar. Eden Hazard, Willian, Andre Schurrle and Mohamed Salah usually play in wide attacking midfield positions – so it’s possible that Mourinho wants to give Oscar genuine competition following the playmaker’s uninspiring form in the second half of the campaign.
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