adminLONDON. — Jose Mourinho is confident he has captured Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona to replace Frank Lampard at Chelsea and is hoping a deal can be announced before Spain face Holland in their opening World Cup game on Friday.
He is convinced that Fabregas and Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa are both bound for Stamford Bridge this summer, as the Chelsea manager looks to spice up his attack ahead of a title challenge next season.
The Blues finished third in the English Premier League last season, just four points behind winners Manchester City, despite Mourinho repeatedly claiming they were not title challengers.
It is hoped the signings of Fabregas and Costa, for £28million and £32m respectively, will help them win their first league title since the 2009-10 season.
Despite Arsenal having a buy-back option on Fabregas, Arsene Wenger withdrew the Gunners from the race to sign the Barcelona midfielder, clearing the way for Chelsea.
The midfielder (27), who qualifies as a home-grown player in the Premier League after spending eight years at Arsenal, expressed an interest in moving back to England after just three years in Spain, having being told he could leave the Nou Camp.
But the Daily Star reported yesterday that Fabregas’ move to Stamford Bridge is being held up by his former club Arsenal. — Mailonline-Daily Star.
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