Is Chelsea’s interest in Taison a smokescreen?

The transfer window may’ve only been open for a week, but Chelsea have already been busy in order to bolster their ranks, bringing in both Wallace and Demba Ba from Fluminense and Newcastle United, respectively.

However, the west London outfit are thought to be keen on strengthening further during January amidst reports they are keen on the signing of Metalist Kharkiv midfielder Taison. The Brazilian has impressed for the Ukrainian side since signing back in 2010 from Internacional, netting an astonishing 64 league goals in 57 appearances for the club.

Understandably, interest is supposedly high in the 24-year-old, having shot to prominence this season after scoring a stupendous volley against Rosenborg in the Europa League that bore a striking resemblance to Marco van Basten’s wonder strike for Holland back at Euro 88.

The interest in the midfielder may come as a surprise to some, with reports in the past never linking Taison with a move to Stamford Bridge. However, the reported move for the Brazilian could well be a smokescreen in a potential move for Shakhtar Donestk midfielder Willian.

Chelsea have been linked with a move for the Brazilian over the last 12 month, but have thus far failed to land their top target. Having twice come up against the Ukrainian outfit in the Champions League this season, you can understand why they’re keen to land the diminutive schemer, with rivals Tottenham Hotspur also thought to be keen.

Any move for Taison may well be to convince Shakhtar to lower their asking price of Willian, with the eastern European giants supposedly placing a substantial price tag on the midfielders head in order to ward off interest from potential suitors abroad.  

By Ben McAleer
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