Chelsea Considering Abdul Rahman Baba Alternative

Jose Mourinho is weighing up a cheaper left-back option than the Ghana international.

Chelsea have made an enquiry about Galatasaray left-back Alex Telles, and are considering the player as an alternative to Abdul Rahman Baba.

The Pensioners offloaded Filipe Luis to Atletico Madrid earlier in the week and are understood to be in the hunt for a new left-back.

The Brazil international departed after only a season at Stamford Bridge, having failed to dislodge Cesar Azpilicueta as Jose Mourinho’s first-choice on the left side of defence. Despite arriving in West London as a Spanish champion, and having competed in the Champions League final, the Selecao full-back managed only nine starts in the Premier League last term.

He has now returned to his former club, leaving Mourinho on the lookout for a replacement.

For a large portion of the summer, the reigning Premier League champions were understood to be setting their sights on Augsburg’s Baba.

However, while talks are ongoing with the German side for the Black Star’s signature, Chelsea are understood to be considering other options in light of the player’s £15 million price tag.

The Daily Mail report that they are considering Turkey-based Telles.

The 22-year-old Brazilian would reportedly only cost £8 million—roughly half Baba’s fee—while he would also move to Stamford Bridge with the experience of having already competed in the Champions League, something the Ghana star could not offer.