Making changes: Carlo Ancelotti wants to strengthen
his title-winning side
Take that, City: Chelsea have upped the ante in
their summer transfer battle with Man City with a £27m bid for
Benfica's David Luiz (L) as Ramires says 'Yes'
Chelsea
owner Roman Abramovich is
preparing to land a significant blow in his transfer battle
with Manchester
City.
Not satisfied with winning the race to sign Benfica midfielder
Ramires in a £20million deal, Abramovich has sanctioned a second
raid on the Portuguese club for their £27m-rated defender David
Luiz.
The double swoop signals a return to Chelsea's big-spending days
that coincided with the Russian's arrival at Stamford Bridge, and
manager Carlo Ancelotti has set about reinforcing his
double-winning squad with the best of Brazil's young talent.
Up to now, Sheik Mansour's billions have seen City press on
unopposed during the summer transfer window, with Roberto Mancini
having already splashed out more than £80m on players.
But while City are likely to be challenging for honours this
season following a major overhaul, it seems Chelsea's recent
history of success has proved decisive in convincing 23-year-old
Ramires that his future lies at Stamford Bridge.
Sportsmail exclusively
revealed the details of Chelsea's £20m move for Ramires on
Thursday.
And barring any last-minute hitches, his transfer will be
finalised at the end of next week, after a holiday in his native
Brazil following his exploits in the World Cup.
Ancelotti will doubtless be delighted to have got his man having
searched for a central midfielder to replace Michael Ballack
following his return to Bayer Leverkusen, while Deco is expected to
join Brazilian side Fluminense.
Luiz, 23, is seen as a future star for Brazil having represented
his country at Under 20 level. And he his already proved his class
with Benfica, having been an ever-present last season as the Lisbon
side won their first domestic title for five years.
Chelsea have firmed up their interest after losing Luiz's
countryman Alex to a torn thigh muscle which will rule him out for
a month. In addition, if Chelsea are successful in pulling off a
deal for Ruiz, who like Ramires has attracted the interest of top
clubs across Europe, then it may signal the end of Ricardo
Carvalho's stay at Stamford Bridge.
Under threat: Ricardo Carvalho's Stamford Bridge
days are numbered
Carvalho's former manager, Jose Mourinho, is understood
to be keen for a reunion at Real Madrid. However, Rafa Benitez is
eager to have the benefit of Carvalho's experience at Inter Milan
as he tries to emulate Mourinho's treble winning exploits at the
San Siro.
There could be a decidedly samba rhythm to Chelsea's play next
season if they are also successful with a £17m move for Santos's
18-year-old striker Neymar.
