Another name I've never heard of, from a source, CalcioMercato.com, I know nothing about:

Ancelotti Set To Snatch ‘Sparkling' £10M International To Shore Up Chelsea Midfield

Long-term injuries to stalwarts Frank Lampard, Michael Essien and John Terry have caused tremendous disruption to Chelsea’s defence and midfield o+f late, to the extent that the champions have now lost 3 of their last 4 league games.

For the first time, Chelsea look to be lacking in squad depth, and Carlo Ancelotti will look to address this issue come January. According to sports website CalcioMercato.com, Bayern Leverkusen’s Arturo Vidal could be the man to solve all Chelsea’s problems.

The 23 year-old Chilean has been in scintillating form this season, and has already been linked with fellow big spenders Manchester City. However, Chelsea are reported to have made an official approach, with a fee in the region of £10m being suggested.

That would seem to be very good value for money, given Vidal’s versatility; the Chilean can play in midfield or defence, in either a central role or on the right flank.

However, with Jose Bosingwa looking increasingly likely to leave Stamford Bridge in January, Paulo Ferreira decidedly unsure of himself when playing in central defence, and John Obi Mikel under pressure from his national coach to develop his attacking game, Ancelotti may already be having difficulties deciding exactly where best to deploy his new acquisition.

LINK

Here's a little more info from imscouting.com:

Chelsea have set their sights on Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Arturo Vidal , according to German reports.

The 23-year-old is contracted to the Bundesliga outfit until 2012, but Chelsea are said to have more than €10 million on the table to bring the Chilean to Stamford Bridge.

Vidal is an excellent prospect for the near future. He is an extremely versatile player, capable of playing as a defensive midfielder, a defender and even as an attacking midfielder. A fast player with very good work rate, passing and tackling abilities, Vidal is very creative for his position.

In order to fulfill his potential he must work on his temper though. His receives too many cards with his tendency to commit brutal fouls.

Vidal has scored six goals for Leverkusen this season.

He has won 28 caps for Chile, including all four World Cup matches for his country in the summer.

LINK

Edited November 23, 201015 yr by Hutch

Bosingwa leaving???? that's the first I've heard of that

Edited November 23, 201015 yr by yorkleyblue

Boswinga leaving???? that's the first I've heard of that

I think you can file that with "crap tagged on to the end of the article", along with the so-called pressure from the Nigerian coach.

I have watched all of about five minutes of Bundesliga this season, but maybe GB could tell us more about him. I dont recall him from the World Cup but that Chilean team was talented and quick as hell.

Regradless of whether that is a fair price or he is talented enough to make it here, I think this is the kind of player the club should look at. One who is compotent in several positions. Yuri is a bit like that too, but this season's bs has meant we cant use him in the roles he is best for.

Regradless of whether that is a fair price or he is talented enough to make it here, I think this is the kind of player the club should look at. One who is compotent in several positions. Yuri is a bit like that too, but this season's bs has meant we cant use him in the roles he is best for.

I was thinking that myself when I posted the thread, and hoped someone might know more, firstly about the player, and secondly whether there is likely to be any basis in fact to this particular rumour.

Vidal is quite a center midfielder for Leverkusen. He's not exactly lightweight like Ramires. He's capable of shooting from long range and making defensive challenges but to be honest, he's not the best in them. His pace and penalty-taking skill are great assets though.

I've never seen him play right-flank so I think he'd be like Essien in the center but without the headers. You know that even though there are a lot of attacking options upfront, this guy can and will still go forward.

I doubt there's much chance of the deal happening. I'm not sure if he had signed a new contract yet but he had been kissing the badge a lot when there were contract negotiations between him and Leverkusen a few weeks ago. Saying this, Leverkusen has 2 promising youngsters (Bender and Reinartz) who can play in his position, and these kids actually play full matches.

Interesting, thanks for the info.

Bosingwa leaving???? that's the first I've heard of that

It wouldn't surprise me if he did in the summer, we are constantly linked with Srna & he is available on a free.

For what it's worth here's a compilation of his best work (picture quality isn't great I'm afraid)

Got to admit I've never really heard of him, he looks pretty handy though.

When I first saw his name I thought it was a new brand of shampoo or something

When I first saw his name I thought it was a new brand of shampoo or something

Thats what I was thinking, I just hope he`s worth it.... :unsure:

Thats what I was thinking, I just hope he`s worth it.... :unsure:

Hahaha I'll give you that one seeing as I can't come up with anything better :D

Let's hope that he's the L'Oreal deal if he combs here (I'll get my coat) :blush:

Hahaha I'll give you that one seeing as I can't come up with anything better :D

Let's hope that he's the L'Oreal deal if he combs here (I'll get my coat) :blush:

if he does come hair, I hope he`s able to brush defenders off easily...

great player, if we can get him for 10 mill, buy him.

Good player on FM, otherwise don't know too much about him. For 10 Millions, definitely worth a try.

Interesting, thanks for the info.

I agree. Thanks! :)

Youtube compilations and FM references. We'll be signing George Weah's brother here soon

Eight months down the line, and another couple of million to the asking price, the story surfaces again, this time in the Mirror:

Chelsea chase Bundesliga star

Chelsea are making a late bid to sign Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Arturo Vidal.

The Chile international, who scored against Mexico in the group phase of the current Copa America finals, had been close to joining Juventus and has also been linked with Arsenal.

But Andre Villas-Boas’ side have now expressed interest in signing the 24-year-old, who netted 10 goals for the Bundesliga runners-up last season.

He is valued at £12million, with 30 per cent of any fee due to go to his former Chilean club Colo-Colo.

Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voeller, who is refusing to sell Vidal to rivals Bayern Munich, said: "Arturo is a highly-coveted player, there are many clubs who want to buy him.

“We will only sell him in the summer when an offer that we deem appropriate comes.â€

LINK

Eight months down the line, and another couple of million to the asking price, the story surfaces again, this time in the Mirror:

LINK

Leverkusen have supposedly valued him at £20m. Sounds like a decent prospect and even at that price might be worth considering; especially if we can't get Modric.

Wouldn't mind that signing. Would be a younger version of Belletti I believe.

Rumours are we have bid around £16m for him. Would he be seen as a replacement for Essien?

Would love to sign Vidal!! Can play anywhere on the pitch, works hard and is a good little passer! One of the main reasons for Chile's success recently. I think he'd actually occupy the same are of the pitch as Modric would and if it were a choice between the two, I'd actually take Vidal!

Rumours are we have bid around £16m for him. Would he be seen as a replacement for Essien?

I'm pretty sure he would, yes. Similar type of player.

I hope this is one of the targets that AVB spoke about "being lined up in Europe"

The best thing about this is he would negate the need to keep Zhirkov or Malouda, as he can not only play in the centre of midfield as a DM but very well as a left back or left attacker.

Think Gareth Barry with ability.

The best thing about this is he would negate the need to keep Zhirkov or Malouda, as he can not only play in the centre of midfield as a DM but very well as a left back or left attacker.

Think Gareth Barry with ability.

Add Bosingwa and Paulo to that as he can play right back too I believe.