Chelsea Transfer News: Pastore, Imbula, Kevin de Bruyne Involved In Latest January Rumors
Tension and frustration has quickly boiled over between Chelsea manager Jose Mounrinho and the media. "The Special One" walked off prematurely during a press conference on Monday after a reporter questioned his decision to sit midfielder Kevin de Bruyne for the Blues next Champions League match versus Steaua. In the same vein he mentioned the perceived controversy surrounding Juan Mata’s playing time.
"This is fantastic because no one asks me about [Juan] Mata," Mourinho said according to The Guardian. "You have spoken about Mata for three weeks. Now you're asking about Kevin. You are only interested in the players who are not playing. He was not selected. It was my decision. Only 11 can play and I try to decide by what they do on the pitch, when they play and in training.
"This fellow [pointing to Frank Lampard at his side] knows me for nine years and that I sometimes make mistakes but I try to be honest all the time. I was honest with Juan because of what he's done in training and what he's done in the game he played, and so he will play. With Kevin I didn't like the match he played against Swindon and I didn't like the way he was training. But you only ask about the guys who were not selected. Thank you."
But now it appears the Belgian could also be sent back to Bundesliga's Werder Bremen come the winter transfer session, as reported by Daily Mail. The 22-year-old made 32 appearances and scored 10 goals on loan to Werder last season, while his two appearances with the Blues this year are an example of how scarce playing time is in an increasingly crowded Chelsea midfield.
Chelsea are also in need of a boost in the attack, and that could come in the form of Paris Saint-Germain striker Javier Pastore. The 24-year-old Argentine is reportedly unhappy with his lack of time on the pitch, according to the Express.
Arsenal, as well as Liverpool, are also in the mix for Pastore, who has netted 17 goals in two years in Paris. Recently, Pastore was removed from PSG’s lineup in the 1-1 draw with Monaco, and that has sparked him to reconsider his position. Pastore’s agent reportedly said his client has ruled out a return to Italy, where he spent two years with Serie A’s Palermo.
PSG signed Pastore for £30 million in 2011, meaning they won’t just let him walk away, especially with his contract running for another three years. Smuggling Pastore out of France could cost Chelsea upwards of £20 million, the price Arsenal are reportedly willing to pay this January.
The Blues also haven’t let go of their aspirations to land Marseille midfielder Giannelli Imbula, who only recently joined the French side back in July for £6 million. Mourinho showed intense interest in Imbula, but the 21-year-old chose Marseille instead. However, Chelsea’s interest hasn’t waned and they are willing to thump any offer from Arsenal with a £25 million fee.
Over the last four years, Imbula made 108 appearances and scored five goals for Ligue 2’s Guincamp, while earning five caps with the U-20 and U-21 national youth teams this year alone.
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