Rumour: Mourinho targeting Musacchio

Mateo Musacchio is being lined up for a surprise transfer to the Premier League as Chelsea look set to bolster their defence by signing the Villarreal centre-back. Musacchio, 23, has excelled as Villarreal have impressed since their re-introduction to La Liga this season and was on the scoresheet in the Yellow Submarine’s narrow defeat to Barcelona on Saturday.

Manchester City are also rumoured to be interested in the defender according to the Daily Express but both could be fought off by Barcelona amid rumours Carlos Puyol could be set to retire from football shortly.

Mourinho has been keen on Inter Milan centre-back Andrea Ranocchia and Talksport also believe that Chelsea are interested in Saint Etienne’s Kurt Zouma. Former Blues boss Rafa Benitez could pip Chelsea to the talented Frenchman as Napoli are also keeping an eye on him.

Musacchio meanwhile has been in impressive form so far this season as Villarreal zoomed up into the top four and the Argentinian has played every minute for the Yellow Submarine. He is hopeful of a national team call up in time for the World Cup due to his good form as he has been a vital component in Villarreal’s organised back four.

Musacchio plays a bit like David Luiz does at Chelsea and the pair could be a match made in heaven as both are versatile, comfortable on the ball and uncompromising in their approach. With John Terry coming to the end of his career and Chelsea currently leaking goals, Musacchio could make a move to Stamford Bridge in the January transfer window and shore up Mourinho’s defence.