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Chelsea deal for Arsenal defensive target held up by Brazil star

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Out - Filipe Luis

According to reports from The Independent this morning, Chelsea’s attempts to sign Augsburg defender Abdul Rahman Baba are being held up by their inability to offload Filipe Luis. 

The 20 year-old has just come to the end of a sensational campaign with the SGL arena outfit, bagging four assists in 31 appearances whilst averaging the second-most tackles per match (3.5) of any player in the division, which has lead The Evening Standard to describe him as ‘the best left-back in the Bundesliga last season’.

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Resultantly, the Ghana international has been linked to a host of major clubs, including Manchester City, Manchester United and Real Madrid in May, Arsenal and Chelsea in June, and Atletico Madrid, Juventus, Inter Milan and Roma earlier this month.

Chelsea are believed to be particularly keen on a deal for the prodigious left-back but according to The Independent, their pursuit is being held up by wantaway defender Filipe Luis.

The Brazil international is widely expected to return to Atletico Madrid this summer after struggling during his debut season at Stamford Bridge, but the La Liga outfit are reluctant to repay Chelsea’s £16million investment from last summer.

Chelsea boss Joe Mourinho has said: “If Atletico Madrid want him back then they have to pay and we have to discuss the offer. If he leaves then we have to react and we have to go in the market and find a replacement.”

The Blues may be about to receive a change in fortunes, however. According to reports from The Daily Mail this morning, Roberto Mancini is also interested in bringing the 29 year-old to Inter Milan.

Also in the news this week:

Man United strike target refuses to rule out £35m Arsenal move

Chelsea will launch improved bid for Man United target today

Lightening Liverpool target wants six-figure Arsenal deal

City beat Liverpool and Man United to teen sensation in £11m deal

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