Blues closing in on signing of superb defender.Chelsea could be close to completing another exciting swoop in the transfer market this summer with news that officials from AS Roma are in London to finalise the sale of Mehdi Benatia, according to the Daily Express.
The Moroccan international was one of the best defenders in Europe last season, helping Roma to a runners-up spot in Serie A as well as to the best defensive record in the Italian top flight.
Chelsea have been keen to bring in a new signing at centre-back since the departure of David Luiz to Paris Saint-Germain, and they now look close to signing Benatia in a deal worth around £30m.
The 27-year-old had also been linked strongly with Manchester United, but Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho looks to have nipped in ahead of his rivals to capture the player, who will become the club’s fifth major signing of the summer transfer window.
Big names such as Diego Costa, Cesc Fabregas and Filipe Luis have also been brought in, while club legend Didier Drogba also returned to Stamford Bridge for a second spell on a free transfer.
Benatia will now compete with John Terry and Gary Cahill for a spot in central defence if he does complete his move.
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