Chelsea FC are reportedly eyeing a move for Paris Saint-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The squad is currently short on strikers, with Didier Drogba leaving for the second time since 2012.
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Manager Jose Mourinho has admitted a desire to bring in a few players this summer, but getting another forward must be top priority for the Portuguese.
According to reports in Italy, Club officials met with Ibrahimovic’s agent at the Champions League Final in Berlin on Saturday to begin talks, with regards to sealing a transfer to London. The report also claims that Diego Costa is set to push for a move to a Serie A club, placing its credibility in some serious doubt, but Chelsea fans could choose to disregard that part.
Chelsea in talks with Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
— fanatix (@therealfanatix) June 9, 2015
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Ibrahimovic is said to be keen on leaving the French outfit, and would be willing to accept a wage-cut to play for Jose Mourinho again. The big Swede is a huge admirer of the Chelsea boss, having worked with him at Inter Milan. He claims that his only regret in football is having played for just one year under Mourinho.
Ibrahimovic’s agent hinted that the striker could leave France during the summer, but given the fact that PSG would be very reluctant to sell — especially as a replacement would be hard to find — it would be almost impossible to pry him away.
“Theoretically, Ibrahimovic could be sold this summer — but PSG would have to actually want that. Which leads me to say that it would be virtually impossible.” Said the agent.
“Today he is still the most important player in PSG’s project. Where’s his potential replacement? Where’s the new Zlatan? It’s impossible to find someone like him today and PSG know that.
“Zlatan is unique – he’s the only player in the world who measures 1.96 metres, has the technique of Lionel Messi, the character of Muhammad Ali and the strength of Mike Tyson.
“I’ve never forced players to do things they don’t want – Zlatan will extend his deal beyond 2016 if he wants to. One thing he won’t be, though, is a benchwarmer. He is the star of the team or he is gone.”
"-Mino RaiolaSource: Mirror"
Although the Swede is 33-years-old, he is every bit as good as he was a few years ago, and it would be extremely out of character for him to accept playing second fiddle to anyone.
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If Mourinho does go for him — or any other world-class striker — we could see a change in formation at the club. While it may place a bit of a burden on defensive midfielders, playing two forwards would please supporters immensely.
An attacking front line consisting of Costa and Ibrahimovic would scare the sternest of defenses. Chelsea would pack the hardest one-two punch in the Premier League with these two at their disposal, but pulling the forward from PSG would be the most difficult of tasks.
Supporters could remain hopeful though. Whether the club gets Zlatan or not, a good striker is coming in one way or the other.