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Jose Mourinho has reportedly earmarked Atletico Madrid’s Filipe Luis as Ashley Cole’s long-term successor in the left-back role with Chelsea.
The position has predominantly been filled, over the past season, by the naturally right-sided full-back, Cesar Azpilicueta and in addition to the fact it it’s his preferred position, Luis would offer more attacking verve than the more defensively-minded Spaniard.
The Brazilian defender has been an integral part of Diego Simeone’s hugely Rojablancos side which, this season, clinched their first La Liga title of the century and reached the Champions League final. Luis has also won the Europa League and Copa del Rey with Atleti, which makes for a tantalising CV in the eyes of Mourinho, a man obsessed with trophies but without one for two seasons now.
According to Spanish paper Marca, Filipe Luis is now a major target and one the Stamford bridge outfit are hoping to entice through offering to double his salary.
The paper also report that the left-back is eager to move away from Atleti and seeks to enter a new stage in his career. A £19 million release cause is included within Luis’ contract, though, as a good relationship apparently exists between the two clubs, Chelsea are hopeful of being able to complete the signing for a smaller fee.
