Report: Juan Cuadrado Close to Chelsea Transfer

Juan Cuadrado, right-back-turned-right-winger, has become a household name over the past year or two. A breakout 2013/14 season at Fiorentina and a fantastic World Cup 2014 vaulted the pacey Colombian into public consciousness.

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Now — depending on what you read and from where you’ve read it — Chelsea FC are extremely close to an agreement with Fiorentina for the services of Juan Cuadrado. The Colombian’s buyout clause is £26.8m but, if reports are true, the Blues may be able to get the winger for closer to £23m.

Cuadrado would slide perfectly into the Chelsea FC starting eleven alongside Eden Hazard and Oscar in the advanced position on the right. While Willian has played consistently well in that role — often showing flashes of brilliance that never seem to linger — the Brazilian’s output in the final third has left club and fans alike desperately wanting more. Juan Cuadrado can simply bring Chelsea more in attack than Willian.

The Colombian’s direct style of play and precise crossing would complement the attack exceptionally well, while his defensive work rate and positional competency are right in line with Jose Mourinho’s style of play. So far this season Cuadrado has been responsible for creating 35 chances and four assists, and scoring four goals in 16 Serie A appearances.

In comparison, Willian, in 21 Premier League appearances, has created 20 chances with one assist and scored one goal. While each match up fairly equally in other respects, Cuadrado’s production in the final third is a testament to his ability in an area Chelsea will hope to upgrade. Think of how many times Willian has failed to make that final killer pass in to the box and you will understand the need for an upgrade. (Statistics according to Squawka.com)

What the Blues have in abundance are attack-minded midfielders and to make room for Cuadrado some space will need to be cleared in the first team. As of late the services of Andre Schurrle and, specifically, Mohamed Salah have been of less and less use to Mourinho. Meaning that the two will likely be moved on to help finance the Cuadrado deal.

The Blues boss seems to have grown tired of giving Schurrle chances and Salah, despite consistently featuring in preseason play, has never been given any substantial opportunities since his £12m move from Basel in 2013. AS Roma are willing to pay £500,00 in fees and the entirety of Salah’s £43k-per-week salary to take the once-crowned ‘Egyptian Messi’ on loan for the rest of the season. The deal would reportedly come with a buyout option of £11m at the campaign’s end. Chelsea seem to be holding out for a loan fee closer to £1.5m what is a million pounds between friends?

Schurrle on the other hand has been courted by both Borussia Dortmund and Wolfsburg, although only the latter are an option for the January transfer window. Chelsea have had recent dealings with Wolfsburg, selling them Kevin De Bruyne last year, and could be seen as having a leg up on their rivals.