Forget Stones: Chelsea Set To Completes Transfer Of 6FT 1 Argentine Star Ahead Of Weekend Match

After weeks of going back and fort for the signature of England international John Stones, Chelsea are now set to look elsewhere for a centre back before the transfer window closes.

According to reports from Daily Express, the EPL defending champions have open transfer negotiation with Russian club Zenith Saint Petersburg for the signature of Argentine centre back Ezequiel Garay.

The former Real Madrid man joined Zenit in 2014 from Benfica and had excelled to becoming one of the best centre back defender in South America. He was part of the Argentina squad that ended as runner up in both 2014 FIFA World Cup and the just concluded Copa America.

Although, this comes after Chelsea had failed to reach agreement with Everton for the services of Stones. Chelsea had earlier submitted three different bids of £20million, £26million and £30million to the Toffees but were rejected with the Toffees’ boss Roberto Martinez insisting the 21-year old star not for sale this season.

However it all seems the interest in the Argentine defender is just a back up, should Stones deal fail to materialize. Report suggests that Chelsea are still planning to make a final bid of £40million for Stones services coupled with claims that the young starlet may submit a formal transfer request to Everton as he wishes to join the Stamford bridge outfit.