Gianelli Imbula: licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license: http://www.flickr.com/people/7332125@N04
Whilst Chelsea FC are still rumoured to be interested in bringing Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira to Stamford Bridge, Jose Mourinho has also instructed his senior scout to keep a detailed eye on the progress of Giannelli Imbula of Olimpic Marseille as a potential alternative should German international Khedira decide his future lies elsewhere.
According to Simon Johnson of the London Evening Standard, senior Blues scout Guy Hillion is highly impressed with the talented 22 year old:
"“I have seen Imbula often. As soon as he gets the ball he is able to accelerate and break through the lines.“He covers well, has good technique, great vision of the game, with a very good pass and a great left foot.”"
Giannelli Imbula is a player that Chelsea have looked at before, making an initial inquiry last year whilst the French U21 player was still at Guingamp, prior to his transfer to Olympique Marseille. The young midfielder also holds a citizenship of The Democratic Republic of Congo but has not made any appearances for their national team at any level so his international future is still undecided. Reports state that he has few faults and can play defensively and offensively very well.
If Chelsea do look to make Marseille an offer, it’s likely to have to be in excess of £20 million, which is a fair chunk of money.
However, that said, at 22 Giannelli Imbula would represent a much better investment for the club than the 27 year old Khedira, who may be available for a much lower transfer fee but would likely cost more in wages and come without any resale value.
As Chelsea FC transfer rumours go, this is one that may have some logic, value and substance.
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