Almost Done – Mourinho Hints Chelsea Are Close To 1st Summer Signing

Jose Mourinho is well known as the master of the mind game, so it is hard to take anything he says to the media without a spoonful of salt. It is believed he also feeds different mind games to his players, his staff and probably his friends too. It has been known to wind up his opponents, most notably Pep Guardiola who whilst at Barcelona directed a fiery press conference towards the master of manipulation. Sometimes I believe Jose may well be telling the truth, though you can never be sure. This is the ultimate mind game.

In the news lately it has been reported Chelsea are very close to signing Brazilian youngster Nathan de Souza. We commented on the players excitement and enthusiasm upon nearing the deal. Whereas behind closed doors Jose may have welcomed Nathan with open arms to the press at least he has played down the rumours.

“I’m not worried with that [the deal to sign Nathan]. Not at all,” the Star quoted him as saying.

“He’s a player that our structure followed and our structure thinks he’s a player with potential for the future. If the deal is close I will try to help, as I try to help everyone, to become a Chelsea player.

Mourinho has said he is not bothered about what happens with the deal as it is not his job. He has however been talking about Chelsea youth player Ruben Loftus-Cheek and his potential emergence into the first team. Loftus-Cheek is just 19 years old and shows lots of potential. He came on as a sub in the Champions League versus Sporting Lisbon and although only on the pitch for a short while showed great attacking determination which will serve him well if he wants to play with the big boys next season.

Lets hope this isn’t another example of Chelsea media-baiting Shakthar’s Douglas Costa to distract from what we are really doing.

It is thought that if we do sign Nathan for a reported £4.5m we will loan him out to get experience. It is unlikely that he will be loaned to a Championship side a lá Patrick Bamford, but perhaps to feeder club Vitesse.