Chelsea Close In on Taison

Sky Sports News are reporting as of this morning, that Chelsea have agreed a deal to sign Metalist Kharkiv midfielder Taison, but the report also state that they face competition from another unnamed Premier League club.

The Brazilian was quoted saying that he has visited Stamford Bridge in the past month, and had words with Roman Abramovich over a possible switch to west London. Ever since the rumours first landed a month or so ago, I decided to look into this player, as to be honest I hadn't heard of him before.

The 24-year old Brazilian can play all across the attacking third, and has proved this by playing in the attacking midfielder role, a winger and also the center forward role. He currently played for Metalist Kharkiv, who are currently fourth in the Ukraine Premier League. He began his career at Brazilian side Internacional, the same club as fellow country man and Chelsea number 11, Oscar, and has said he is keen to play alongside him again. Taison's current contract in Ukraine runs until 2015, and is currently rated at around 10-15 million pounds. So far this season, Taison has played 20 games and has scored four times, and providing six assists. In the Europa League this season, Taison has played five times, scoring once and assisting his team mates twice, meaning if he was to join Chelsea he would be cup-tied for this competition. Last season, Taison lived up to his full potential, scoring seven goals in 36 games, also providing 11 assists.

Taison stands at only 5 foot 8, and he isn't largely built at all. Taison's style of play is to attack defenders in one on one situations, and use his Brazilian skill to get past them. Taison likes to have the occasional long shot, as well as going one on one with the opposing keeper. Taison is fast, which makes up for his lack of strength.

Taison would be a great addition to the squad, but the question is asked whether we actually need him? We currently have Eden Hazard, Oscar, Juan Mata, Marko Marin, Victor Moses and Lucas Piazon filling up Taison's favored role. However, speculation that Marko Marin and Lucas Piazon could be going out on loan this month as well as Victor Moses competing in the African Cup of Nations could see Taison brought in, especially as he can play in the striker role.

Personally, I'm not too excited over the possible transfer, but he would be a good addition to the squad. However, whether he will be able to compete at a top level in the Premier League is another story, having not made an appearance for national squad Brazil, and only proving himself in the Brazilian and Ukraine League.

I've attached a video if you are interested.