The Blues have been chasing Columbia’s World Cup sensation Juan Cuadrado for quite some time now, to add more quality to their attack. The winger has been close to completing a move to Stamford Bridge over the past few weeks now. Recent reports are now suggesting that the Blues have tied up Cuadrado’s personal terms and agreed to pay his £26.8m release clause in order to bring the 26 year old to the Premier League soon. The Dail Mail claims that the Fiorentina star could even be registered in time to face Manchester City on Saturday.
Reports also suggest that Chelsea winger Mohamed Salah may go the other way (in a loan move). Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Montella confirmed the transfer in his recent interview,
He said,
“It was a negotiation which had to be done, From my point of view it’s disappointing, but the club did the right thing.
“A top player has left us, but I still see similar characteristics in Salah. I don’t think [selling Cuadrado] means we have taken a step backwards. [Cuadrado] is a professional and he always wants to play, and I’m pleased because he’s joining a top club.”
“Naturally, we need to understand how long he (Salah) will need to adapt to our football as it’s different from the English and Swiss leagues. From a defensive standpoint, Cuadrado guarantees us a lot more than Salah.
“Cuadrado is a player that has always arrived with a smile and given everything to Fiorentina. I am convinced that if he could have played tomorrow he would have.”