Chelsea may not be close to sealing John Stones’ transfer but latest reports from China report that the Blues have made an offer to Guangzhou Evergrande defender Zhang Linpeng.
The 26-year-old right back claims to have received a contract from the Blues as the transfer window approaches the closing deadline of September 1.
I’m very happy and excited to finally have this formal invitation.
I’ve worked hard and waited these five or six years for my dream of playing overseas and finally have recognition from the English Premier League”, Zhang told Titan newspaper
Zhang, who is a Chinese international, has been given the nickname “Zhangmos” in China due to his similarity to Sergio Ramos of Real Madrid. The deal, it is being reported, will most likely be a loan deal.
Gunagzhou are the Chinese Super League champions and are currently managed by former Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari. He can pick the brains of Scolari and Robinho or Paulinho, who are currently with Guangzhou, about the English Premier League.
Even if he is signed, Zhang has a long way to get into the Chelsea team. Although Branislav Ivanovic is having a tough start to the season, Jose Mourinho has latest recruit Baba Rahman to call up.
Zhang is technically proficient and solidly built, helping his side in the run to the 2013 Asian Champions League title. The deal for Zhang however will not have any bearing on the hunt for Stones which is sure to be the talking point for the next four days.
