Chelsea close in on Brazilian Taison

Christian Crowther combs over the latest developments in the transfer window, including a potential new samba boy at Stamford Bridge...

 

It is believed that European champions Chelsea have agreed a deal to sign Metalist Kharkiv versatile attacking midfielder Taison, though the Blues could still have the  move hijacked by an unnamed Premier League rival.

 

The Brazilian, who represented compatriot Oscar's former side Internacional before moving to Ukraine in 2010, could soon be reacquainting himself with his former  teammate in west London.

 

The most likely scenario is that the 24-year-old Taison will be shortly be announced as Chelsea's second signing of the window, following the capture of Newcastle  striker Demba Ba, who marked his debut with an FA Cup third round brace at Southampton.

 

Holders Chelsea, who have since been handed a kindly fourth round draw away to either Brentford or Southend, are currently a nose ahead of Manchester City as 6.0 favourites to retain their trophy.

 

The last of the third round ties takes place tonight with a giantkilling in the offing when League Two Cheltenham take on Everton, with the Robins priced at 16.0 to cause the shock of the round.

 

Elsewhere, Arsenal may be poised to dust off the chequebook with several high profile names linked to the club.

 

After letting Johan Djourou leave for Hannover on loan and lending Marouane Chamakh to West Ham for the rest of the season, the Gunners have been linked with  Barcelona's David Villa and Montpellier defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa to bolster those positions.

 

Another name still being linked with Arsene Wenger is 19-year-old Birmingham keeper Jack Butland, who is apparently the subject of a £6 million bid from the London  club, though Fulham and Southampton are said to have matched the offer, which could spark a potential bidding war.

 

Arsenal are priced at 11.0 to end their trophy drought with FA Cup glory after earning a replay with Swansea at the Emirates, with the winners lined up to take on Brighton on the south coast.

 

Danny Graham, one of Swansea's scorers from the first leg, is also reportedly a target for Norwich and Reading.

 

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