It might be still early in the season to talk about transfers, but it seems Chelsea are on their way to secure their first big signing for the 2013-2014 season by acquiring Andre Schurrle from Bayer Leverkusen, who haven’t agreed on a price yet, but have already sent Rudi Voller to seal the deal, which includes more than just financial compensation.
Schurrle, 21, is going through his best season so far, scoring nine league goals for Bayer as they attempt to secure a third place finish and a return to the Champions League. Schurrle, who can play both as a striker and as a winger (usually see him on the wings when playing for the national team), has been their top performer for a second straight season, and after earlier this season Chelsea failed to acquire him, they decided they won’t arrive too late to the party again.
About 8 months ago Voller spoke about how Leverkusen are willing to sell Schurrle, for the right price (£20-25 million?), but the offer from the Blues came too late. With the season winding down, finishing the details before summer begins, giving Leverkusen ample time to do something with the money they’ll receive for the young German star, seems like a major priority.
Voller has flown to Stamford Bridge in order to finish the negotiations, as Leverkusen are so far trying to raise the stakes and the offer they’ll accept, not to mention getting Kevin De Bruyne as part of the deal. De Bryune has been loaned out to Werder Bremen this season, but Dortmund are trying and make a more permanent deal for next season. Leverkusen are also interested, hoping to get him through the Schurrle deal.
Schurrle is in for a difficult initiation at Stamford Bridge if he does make it there eventually, having to fight for a place in a very cramped attacking line, which includes Juan Mata, Eden Hazard and Oscar, before we even mention the strikers. A look at how well (or not) Marko Marin has been doing this season might serve as a warning sign.