TheSportsCampus

European champions Chelsea are close to sealing a £4.5 million deal with Brazilian club Fluminense for the transfer of young right-back Wallace. The Blues have been scouting the defender for quite some time and they are finally prepared to take him to Stamford Bridge.

The 18 year-old defender made his debut for Fluminense just a few months back and it is reported that Chelsea own 40% of the youngster's economic rights as part of the deal that saw former Blues star Deco joined Fluminense on a free transfer in 2010. Following Wallace's impressive performances for the Brazilian club this season, Chelsea have now decided to take him to England, reported the Daily Mail. It was assumed that the player would be loaned out for the remainder of this season to help him gain exposure but his agent has denied these claims.

Wallace's agent Frederico Moraes conveyed, “There are very advanced negotiations with Chelsea and the signature is almost certain. I had contact with Roma and many other Italian clubs, but that was a long time ago. I rule out the possibility of a loan [from Chelsea to Roma]. If he joins Chelsea he will play for the Blues.”

Chelsea already have Ivanovic at right-back although the Serbian has shifted back to his preferred central defensive role with Cesar Azpilicueta taking charge on the right in recent games. As Paulo Ferreira nears an end to his Chelsea career, the Blues are looking to add cover for Azpilicueta, and they believe that Wallace is ready to start his career at Stamford Bridge.

Rumours suggest that the defender was also on the radar of Juventus and Napoli but he is now likely to join his countrymen Oscar, David Luiz and Ramires at Chelsea. It could be some while though before we will be able to see Wallace make an appearance for the first team as the Blues prepare to groom him for the grind of the English game.