Chelsea on the brink of Abdul Rahman Baba signing

Chelsea are close to completing a deal for Ghana left-back Abdul Rahman Baba, according to reports in the English media.

The Daily Mirror have revealed that Jose Mourinho’s side have stolen a march on their rivals for the Black Star’s signature, and are looking to wrap up his signing imminently.

Arsenal and Manchester City are the other sides linked to the 20-year-old, although it remains to be seen whether either one of the English giants will look to return to FC Augsburg and attempt to outmanoeuvre the reigning Premier League champions.

However, Chelsea are understood to be confident that they will get their man.

In June, Augsburg general manager Stefan Reuter—who featured for Germany for 11 years—confirmed that the Blues had not yet submitted a formal offer for the player, but the west London heavyweights have long been linked with a move for the player.

While Baba has impressed since arriving in Germany with Greuther Furth in 2012, his game has gone to another level since he swapped the Stadion am Laubenweg for Augsburg last year.

The attacking full-back was in superb form for the Fuggerstadter last season, and emerged as one of the Bundesliga’s truly outstanding defenders. His contribution also helped Markus Weinzierl’s side to a successful and historic campaign; not only did the Bavaria side secure their highest-ever placement in the German top flight, they also secured a first appearance in European competition and will compete in the Europa League next season.

Baba broke into the national side for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, and has since made 15 appearances for the senior side.

He displaced Kwadwo Asamoah at full-back and was one of the stars of the Afcon itself, taking naturally to international football and demonstrating class and power down the left.