Chelsea moved a step closer to signing Atletico Madrid left-back Filipe Luis after the Spanish champions captured Guilherme Siqueira from Granada as his replacement.
Jose Mourinho’s men have been heavily linked with the Brazilian defender – who was controversially omitted from his country’s World Cup squad – following their decision to release veteran Ashley Cole.
And the classy Luis, who excelled during Atletico’s shock title-winning campaign and will turn 29 in August, is now effectively free to leave the Vicente Calderon after his team snapped up Siqueira for €10 million (Dh50m) from Granada after a season on loan with Benfica.
Chelsea are expected to fork out around €23m (Dh115.3m) on Luis, who will leave Atletico after four seasons with the Rojoblancos.
He should be joined in west London by fellow Atletico league winner, Diego Costa.
The Brazil-born Spain forward reportedly underwent a medical in Madrid last week and having agreed to match his £32m (Dh197.5m) buyout clause, the Blues are keen to push through a deal before the start of the World Cup.
Siqueira, meanwhile, is delighted to have secured his move to Atletico after signing a four-year contract but insisted he will be his own man in Madrid.
“He (Luis) is a great friend of mine but I’m not coming to replace anyone,” said Siqueira. “I only want to do my work and prove my worth.”
The 28-year-old, who was born in Brazil but possesses Italian citizenship, joined Granada in 2010 from Udinese and helped the club gain promotion in his first season.
He remained a regular before joining Benfica on loan last summer – with a similar move to Real Madrid falling through at the last minute – and made 18 league appearances en route to the Portuguese title, also playing in last month’s Europa League final defeat against Sevilla.
Siqueira admitted he was delighted with the move to Atletico, saying: “It’s a dream come true. Every footballer wants to play for a great club and now I have the chance to join the Atletico family.”
He is Atletico’s third signing of the summer, following the arrival of goalkeeper Miguel Angel Moya and young Argentine striker Angel Correa.
