If the latest reports from Brazil are to be believed, in an astonishing turn of events, Chelsea are to land Tottenham’s Brazilian midfielder Paulinho in the summer.
BREAKING – ‘Lancenet!’ reporter Bruno Andrade says that Paulinho has agreed to join Chelsea, and deal will be official after World Cup.
— Seleção Brasileira (@BrazilStats) April 30, 2014
Bruno Acarde of Lancenet was the first reporter who broke the news that Paulinho would be joining Tottenham last summer; and to make things even more interesting, the 25 year old has the same agent (Giuliano Bertolucci) as Chelsea’s Brazilian contingent of David Luiz, Oscar and Ramires.
Bertolucci is believed to be the mastermind behind the move:
Agent Giuliano Bertolucci who also brought Luiz, Ramires and Oscar to Chelsea, is the one behind the Paulinho idea, according to B.Andrade.
— Seleção Brasileira (@BrazilStats) April 30, 2014
It is believed Chelsea have fended off interest from AC Milan and Champions League finalists Real Madrid for Paulinho’s signature, and will complete the move in the summer. Lancenet have also claimed that the move would be announced after the World Cup.
Paulinho has been at loggerheads with Tim Sherwood for months, who had earlier declared that no player would be picked in the starting eleven based on reputation. The Brazilian has featured in 32 appearances for Tottenham this season, scoring five goals besides grabbing a couple of assists.
If Chelsea land Paulinho, Mourinho can next season field a midfield quintet of Brazilians from Scolari’s World Cup squad.
— Thore Haugstad (@Haugstad1006) April 30, 2014
Should Chelsea wrap up the deal, manager Jose Mourinho would be able to field Paulinho, Matic and Ramires in what would be a solid and a balanced midfield for the London side.
Meanwhile, Belgium newspaper Sportwereld claims that Spurs may be interested in a swap deal for Paulinho, with Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku joining White Hart Lane.