Chelsea have made an official enquiry for Augsburg star Baba Rahman but face missing out on the left back while waiting for Filipe Luis’ future to be resolved.
The Blues have identified Rahman as their first choice replacement for Luis, who wants to leave Stamford Bridge to return to Atletico Madrid this summer.
But Chelsea are only interested in receiving the same £16 million fee they paid Atletico for the Brazil international’s services a year ago, whereas the La Liga club have been trying to offer players, including defender Toby Alderweireld, as part of a swap deal instead.
The impasse means Chelsea have not been able to push ahead too far with negotiations over Rahman, although the Ghana international is aware of their interest.
Italian club Roma have made a move though, offering the 20-year-old a five-year contract worth £30,000-a-week.
It is understood that contrary to reports in Italy, this has not been accepted, nor have the Serie A side agreed a fee with Augsburg.
But Roma feel they are in a good position to beat Chelsea to his signature, especially as they’re looking to make him their first choice left back whereas the Premier League champions already have Cesar Azpilicueta in that role.