It would appear as if Chelsea has jumped in front of Arsenal in the race to sign Valencia defender Jose Luis Gaya after having agreed to meet the 19-year-olds £13.6 million release clause.
This news could mean that former Atletico Madrid left-back Filipe Luis could return to La Liga after failing to secure a starting place in manager Jose Mourinho’s side.
Chelsea sees the Spanish U-21 international as an exciting prospect after he failed last week to sign a new contract with Valencia which would have pushed his release clause up to a staggering £35 million.
Gaya has been actively scouted by a number of Premiership sides that include Manchester City and Arsenal who were thought to be favourites before Chelsea entered the race.
Chelsea is confident that they can get a deal done with Valencia by offering them Filipe Luis in part-exchange for yet another promising youngster to with Kurt Zouma and top summer target Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane.
