In recent days, Chelsea have been linked with a £13.2 million move for Valencia left-back José Luis Gayà.
The 19-year old has been touted as one of the most promising full-backs in Europe and reports suggest that Mourinho is a big fan. Gayà has made 26 appearances in what has been a breakout season for the Spaniard. Valencia are well within the the top four ‘rat race’ in La Liga and manager Nuno has handed a considerable amount of reponsibility to Gayà – his faith has been repaid.
José Gayá: Only 2 U21 players have made more tackles in Europe’s top 5 leagues this season than @jose_gaya (75) pic.twitter.com/w0at7A7T5F
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) April 2, 2015
Under Peter Lim’s ownership Valencia have near unlimited funds at their disposal and have already shown their financial power, securing the services of Enzo Perez for £18.3 million. Nuno, however, has placed value on the contributions of the younger players so far this season, with the likes of André Gomes and Paco Alcacer impressing alongside Gayà – it is perhaps worth noting that both players have also been linked with Chelsea in recent months.
José Gayà looked set for a Real Madrid move in January, but the deal stalled and it appears unlikely there is space for him at the Bernabeu until Fabio Coentrao departs. Manchester City have also been linked, but one can hope that Gayà would prefer to join the soon-to-be Champions of England.
Filipe Luís has failed to break into the Blues’ side since arriving from Atlético Madrid last summer, and it’s widely belived that he could be heading for the exit door after under a year at the Bridge. Bringing in a pure left-back would also allow César Azpilicueta to revert to his natural right sided role, with growing question marks over Branislav Ivanovic’s defensive aptness. If the reported £13.2million buy-out clause is to be believed, it would be a fraction over the sum Chelsea recieved for Ryan Bertrand in January. Mourinho and co would sleep well knowing that for next season and the following decade Chelsea would have a left-back of real quality.
The Special One will be wary, however, with the memory of Asier del Horno still rife at the Bridge.
