Rahman Baba did not reject Chelsea transfer - Agent

Abdul Rahman Baba’s agent has quashed suggestions that his client has rejected a £10 million transfer to Chelsea earlier this summer.

As reported by the Daily Express, player representative Sascha Empacher has slammed suggestions that the full-back has rejected a move to Stamford Bridge.

"No, that’s not true. It is the classic example of bad investigative journalism,” the agent began, when asked whether Baba had nixed the transfer.

"Many big European clubs are interested in Baba, but they do not want to be named. Do Augsburg want €18-20m (£12.5m-14m)? Yes, that is correct,” he continued.

"There is a lot of competition for the player. If a side is interested, then they have to make an offer to the club."

Chelsea’s Premier League rivals Arsenal, as well as Serie A giants AS Roma have both been linked to the defender, who is coming off the back of a superb campaign with Augsburg.

Last season, the left-back managed 29 starts and two substitute appearances for the Fuggerstadter, contributing four assists during their historic campaign.

Markus Weinzierl’s side secured fifth spot in the Bundesliga—their highest-ever finish—and also secured a spot in next year’s Europa League, representing their first foray into European football.

While Empacher refused to comment on whether Baba was intimidated by the competition that would lie ahead of him should he move to Stamford Bridge, it’s easy to reason that the left-back would find the going tough in West London.

25-year-old Cesar Azpilicueta is well-established as Jose Mourinho’s first-choice left-back, and even the presence of Brazil international Felipe Luis couldn’t dislodge the Spaniard last season.

Luis, who arrived on the back of a La Liga-winning campaign with Atletico Madrid, and a berth in the Champions League final, was unable to assert himself ahead of his rival for the full-back spot—managing only nine Premier League starts—and is reportedly looking for a transfer away from the Pensioners this summer.

Baba too, may struggle to enjoy regular playing time at Stamford Bridge.