The next long-rumoured deal between Chelsea and Atletico Madrid appears to be finalized as Filipe Luis is headed to the Premier League, according to the Guardian.
Luis will come to Chelsea for a reported fee of £20m, a substantial increase from Chelsea’s initial offer of £12m. The transaction is pending Luis and Chelsea agreeing to wage terms and Luis’ physical, both of which should be completed within the next few days.
The 28-year-old Luis made Atletico management aware of his desires to play for Chelsea after the end of last season, which saw the Spanish side win La Liga and lose to crosstown rival Real Madrid in the Champions League Final.
The move is a good one for all parties involved, as everyone comes away happy. Luis was unhappy with his current situation, and the club went so far as to relegate him to training with the reserves.
Chelsea, who have already acquired Diego Costa and agreed to bring keeper Thibaut Courtois back from loan from Atletico, had been targeting the Brazilian left back all offseason as a replacement for Ashley Cole, who was released by Chelsea following this season. Cole, who spent eight seasons at Stamford Bridge, signed with Roma earlier this week.
Luis offers Jose Mourinho a significant upgrade from Cole. He saw his play decline this year and was ultimately dropped from first choice left back in favor of César Azpilicueta, who will now likely factor in at the other full back position along with Branislav Ivanovic.
Luis, who will likely wear Cole’s old number 3, is a tireless worker who is adept in the short passing game while also being a fine tackler on the defensive side. He makes their team younger while still carrying loads of big-game experience, something that will be invaluable once Chelsea great John Terry steps aside and more young players will find their way into the lineup.
This is the kind of move that can help ease that transition, as Luis can grow comfortable in Chelsea while not being in the spotlight thanks to the likes of Terry and Gary Cahill manning the centre back position. Both players should help the 6’0 Luis grow accustomed to the more physical nature of the Premier League, a challenge he appears up for already.
His transition to life in England will also be aided by the arrivals of Costa and Courtois, both of whom he is familiar with after spending the last four years with Costa and the previous two with Courtois at Atletico. In addition, fellow Brazillians Oscar and Willian are already firmly entrenched at Stamford Bridge, something that should help Luis adjust to life in England off the pitch.
All in all, this is a solid move for Mourinho and another step towards reclaiming Premier League and European glory.
